'^k^mi^ 



ILIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! 

$ ^ 

I Ux\ITED STATES OF AMERICA. | 




ipjuiE iL£^^^ njiAi? (Di? iimm mwjMM^ ibuxbilii. 



^anci iLLsLLiiiufcXiL oi fiii'iTig all iurraaij. '*irii ioii^s ot picAofe Lo oui 
Gt>d 3jid Saviour Jesxis Christ." ^ , ^ ^^ , 



BURMAH'S GREAT MISSIONARY 



RECORDS 



LIFE, 



CHARACTEE, AJ(D ACHIEVEMENTS 



ADONIRAM JUDSON. 



NEW YORK: 
EDWAED H. FLETCHEE. 

^J IS 54. 






The Li. k ky 
Ob Con Ok ESS 



WASHINGTON 



KNTKRKD, ACCORDINO TO ACT OF OONQRESS. IN THE TBAR 1854, BY 

Htitoarti ?^. jTIetcDer, 

FN THi CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OP THE UNITED STATES 
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW TORK. 



WW YORK STEREOTYPE ASSOCIATION. 

201 William Street 



PREFACE. 



The influences whicli flow from acquaintance 
witli the history of great men's lives are pow- 
erful and abiding. Religious biographical liter- 
ature is greatly appreciated by Christians of every 
name ; nor can the general estimation in which it 
is held be deemed erroneous. It would be diffi- 
cult to indicate any means, separate from its issues 
of the inspired volume, by which the press has 
done more efficient service in quickening spiritual 
life and promoting Christian usefulness. ~No man 
has fulfilled his course in latter times with whose 
life it could be more profitable for the churches of 
Christ to have a familiar knowledge, than that of 
the illustrious subject of these pages. Persuaded 
that such is the case, it seems an imperative duty 
to promote so worthy a service. This has been 
recognized by several eminent ministers, and in 
consequence various works have been published. 
Several years since, the Rev. Dr. Dowling issued 



iv Preface. 



a " Judson Offering," wMcli has placed incidents 
of great interest before some thousands, and, it is 
to be hoped, with beneficial results in nurturing a 
missionary spirit. Since Mr. Judson 's lamented 
decease, not only the commemorative discourses 
of the Rev. Drs. Hague and Babcock, but various 
other small works, have appeared. The Rev. 
Messrs. Eddy of Lowell, Gray of Shelburne Falls, 
and Gillette now of New York, have prepared 
interesting sketches; and at the time of our 
present writing, a small work by the Rev. Dr. 
Cushraan is issuing from the press. 

In addition to these, the Rev. Dr. Wayland has 
gathered together the journals and correspond- 
ence of Mr. Judson in two volumes, and presented 
a memoir which will doubtless long be regarded 
as an important contribution to the literature of 
missions. 

Satisfied that there is a class of readers who 
will not be contented with the scanty information 
which the smaller works contain, while the larger 
one is beyond the means of very many, at a time 
when there was no intimation of any work of a 
similar scope, the one now presented was pro- 
jected, and its preparation commenced. 

In writing it, the author had no theories of his 
own to support. His object from first to last was 



Preface. 



to make a work answerable to his title-page. As 
far as possible, lie has incorporated Mr. Judson's 
own language. Wlien contemplating this work, 
he chanced to read a review of the memoir 
of a missionary, published some years before, 
which remarked that while '' ample use" is made 
of the writings of the worthy laborer it com- 
memorates, " they are not, in the manner of some 
biographeis, dragged in wholesale, as if eagerly 
grasped to jSlII up a page. Indeed, seldom is there 
more than a portion of a letter quoted." 

These remarks mil be found to apply to the 
present volume. To secure accuracy and com- 
pleteness, much more time was occupied than 
was at first anticipated. Eminent ministers who 
have manifested a kind interest in its preparation 
have examined the proof sheets. In some cases 
these have been transmitted a considerable dis- 
tance. Whatever delay has occurred, has tended 
to the production of a better work than could 
otherwise have been prepared. 

Xothing has been omitted that appeared im- 
portant to a complete history, while much will 
be found not otherwise readily accessible to the 
general reader. The admirable memoir of Ann 
H. Judson, by the late beloved Knowles, has been 
the basis of most of the later productions con- 



vi Preface. 



cerning Burmali and its missions, and has been, in 
some cases, too servilely copied. It has proved a 
valuable auxiliary in the present instance, but its 
statements have been carefully examined, and 
where incorrect amended. 

In accordance with the request Mr. Judson 
made on his friends in 1828, the title of Doctor 
has not been used. 

The writer is conscious that his work falls far 
shoi-t of his own ideal of excellence, yet he hopes 
that it may render some service in perpetuating 
the memory of its subject, and promoting an in- 
terest in the cause to which his life was devoted. 



CONTENTS 



Chapteb. Fagb 

I. OCMltiUootr antr Stutient 3LIU 9 

n. STije if^Jissionars ©anUCtJate 21 

m. mealfjation 36 

IV. jTfrst Bajs m asfa 47 

v. SeeMtifl a ®jmntt2 ^8 

VI. STJie ^jpomteK jTielK 71 

Vn, 2Ci)e (Jlonseccation STesteti 91 

Vm. j^rufts of Strut!) antr ©espotfsm 121 

IX. ^ixiQWa lSj:pzxitnczB 160 

X. Kmjptisonment 179 

XI. jfivstYmv of aWeboSEra 211 

Xn. Ytuvs of tDc atlijjSt ?l§anti of €5otJ 233 

Xm. 3LiU in tSe Sutiflle 280 

XIV. Stutig^Hife 300 

XV. Afflictions antrHaiiors 831 

XVI. SEtie iTurlouflt) 864 



viii Contents. 

Chapter. Paob 

xvn. mosiuQ a:oas 404 

XVm. m^ ©all mome 421 

XIX. Conclusfon 434 

ffieneral Kntrej: 458 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Paob 

HaHt 3leaf of 33iirma|)'s 3SftIe Frontispiece 

iSrobftrence C:ollefle 9 

i^ap of 38urma|) 9 

^agat 71 

Si)b)aa) HBaflon ^^agotra 122 

STlJc aSlooti^Etacfteti iftaardl) 199 

iSrome 267 

Scene at t|)e ©onbentfon 364 

Slje ©^rabes of t|)e SutJsons 429 



viii Contents. 

Chjittsb. Pagb 

XVn. Closfns Cofls 404 

XVm. Ctje Call ?9omc 421 

XIX. Condusfon 434 

©eneral l^rOsty: 468 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Paob 

Hast ieaf ot 33urmat)'s JSffale Frontispiece 

^obftiencc ©oUefle 9 

ittap of iSurmat) 9 

^asat 71 

S|)toa2 iBaflon 33afiotia 122 

SCtie a^kioti^SEracfeeti i«arct) 199 

33rome 267 

Scene at tj)e <S:onbent(on 364 

E^z €Krabes o{ tt)c Jutsons 429 




SHOWN TJNIYEasiTT. 



fi^a^tu first. 

CHILDHOOD AND STUDENT LIFE. 

" He is a chosen vessel unto me, to tear my name "before the G-entilea 
and kings." — Acts is. 15. 

THE records which the Holy Ghost has given us con- 
cerning good men who have fallen asleep, are not 
exempt from that skepticism which regards as mythical 
nearly all that relates to the illustrious of former times. 
A biography of one who felt himself called of God to 
diffuse a knowledge of the Gospel, and whose whole 
life presents a history of toil, trial, and triumph not less 
remarkable than, and often similar to, an apostolic ex- 
perience, may be of great advantage in correcting this 
tendency. Such a work, also, if compiled from truthful 
sources, demonstrates the continued agency of the Spir- 
it in the churches in the selection of men for great ser- 
vices, and the bestowal of eminent gifts and graces for 
the work to which He has appointed them. For these, 
and other important ends, Adonieam Judson is pre- 
eminently a study for the Christian world. 

1* 



10 Childhood and Student Life. 

The birth-places of many who have shed luster ou 
the American name are found in New England. 
Among the localities which have interests attaching to 
them on this account, is Maiden, in the State of Massa- 
chusetts. It was here that he, whose memory we would 
aid in perpetuating, was born, August 9th, 1788. 

Several of the most distinguished citizens of the 
Union in times past have been of clerical parentage. 
Such was the origin of the subject of these records, and 
his is therefore another name in which those engaged 
in the ministry of Divine truth may congratulate them- 
selves, and more especially because of the character of 
the career which placed it in the galaxy of greatness. 

At the period of the birth of our subject, his father, 
the Rev. Adoniram Judson, was pastor of a Congre- 
gational Church at Maiden. He subsequently held a 
like office for a short time in Wenham, but his longest 
pastorate was at Plymouth. His connection with the 
Congregational denomination was dissolved in 1817 by 
his accession to the principles of the Baptist churches. In 
August of that year he was baptized, with his wife and 
daughter, by the Rev. Dr. Baldwin, and united in mem- 
bership with the Second Baptist Church of Boston. 
Two years afterward he was requested to accept the 
pastorate of a newly formed church at Nobleboro', and 
was accordingly ordained there September 30th, 1819. 
Having attained a good old age, he was gathered to his 
fathers JSTovember 25th, 1826. As a scholar, an ex- 
emplary Christian, and an able minister of the 'New 
Testament, he was warmly eulogized by his cotempo- 
raries. 

Clerical nurture in New England in former times was 
characterized by some qualities which were not in all 
instances desirable. Of course there were exceptions, 



Childhood and Student Life. 11 

but too frequently it had a tendency to the austere in 
principle and practice, which modern notions would dis- 
card. Although accustomed to dwell often on the to- 
tal and universal depravity of our species, the puritan 
pastor was greatly astonished, if, in the conduct of his 
children, there was aught but Christian developments. 
His successors of a half a century since inherited a 
considerable share of his principles on the domestic 
constitution. In the engrossing cares and turmoil of 
the Revolutionary struggle many of the old-established 
customs were thrown out of course, but a minister's 
house was still expected to present an eminent model 
of the relio^ious usao:es which in the estimation of our 
fathers were of such vital importance to the common- 
wealth. At this period the clerical order was begin- 
ning to realize the change of things, and the sacredness 
of their functions did not render them so secure from 
remark as their predecessors of early colonial times. 
Well aware of the circumspection to which they were 
subject, and the readiness of the community to reflect 
on the parental administration in case of any aberra- 
tion from propriety, they were less tolerant of juvenile 
waywardness than, perhaps, with a due consideration 
of the tendencies of youth, befits a wholesome moral 
regulation. 

It is probable that the system of household govern- 
ment at Maiden and Plymouth partook of both the 
faults and excellences common to the I^ew England 
parsonage in those times. ]^evertheless a Christian 
mind will admire that allotment of Infinite Wisdom 
which gave to the early days of our subject such a 
home. The powerful, though often unconscious, influ- 
ences of early life were undoubtedly favorable in giv- 
ing to his mind an inclination for pursuits which was 



12 Childhood and Student Life. 

of no small value in directing his career in after life. 
'' Had 3^oung Judson passed the first dozen years of 
life beneath the roof of some decent, shrewd worldling, 
whose very soul was pervaded by the hallucination that 
gain is godliness or the chief good, who can calculate 
the divergence of his orbit from the one in which he 
has moved? The intensity and concentration of his 
forces, accompanied with keen, far-reaching discern- 
ment, might then have secured him a place among the 
millionaires of the commercial world."* As it was, 
his early associations were with pursuits of the mind, 
and his earliest aspirations most probably were of em- 
inence attained by intellectual prowess. 

There is reason to believe that tlie father was desi- 
rous that his son should attain distinction, and that this 
wish was allowed to engross more than usual thought. 
In what patli it would have been most congenial to him 
for fame to have been earned we have no information. 
It is very probable that the discerning mind of an ed- 
ucated man formed just conclusions with regard to 
the future of the country he had seen so lately freed 
from foreign domination, and it is no wonder if pa- 
rental ambition desired for the son to take a prominent 
place among the patriots who were to lead the States 
forward in their march of empire and glory. 

These hopes of future distinction were encouraged 
by indications of good mental powers. While yet a 
child, Adoniram showed an eager desire for information, 
{'lhI a memory more than ordinarily retentive. The 
preceptor of his preparatory studies informed the 
Eev. Dr. Babcock, " while he was yet scarcely higher 
than the table, that he never witnessed with such joy, 

* Dr. Babcock. 



Childhood and Student Life. 13 

pride, wonder, the attainments of any other pnpiL" 
In these early promises it is not difficult for us to see 
that the seal of a prophet was already on his brow, and 
that he was marked of God for high and holy service. 
"When he was yet a child, the family moved to Wen- 
ham, and he was but fourteen years of age when Ply- 
mouth became his home. His residence being now 
on the spot where the Pilgrims made their first settle- 
ment, and the very Mecca of their descendants, the his- 
tory of their right noble enterprise must have become 
as familiar to him as the faces of the loved ones in his 
father's parsonage. It is not likely that in his young 
days the defects of the early administration of the Pil- 
grims would impress him so unfavorably as when in 
after years he espoused the principles of those whom 
they had oppressed and persecuted. He had, therefore, 
the inspirations of the scene, without the drawbacks, 
which, it is probable, there would have been if his lot 
had been cast in a minister's family of another religious 
society. As it was, he saw the Pilgrim fathers with few 
flaws, and their tenacity of right and heroic endm-ance 
were of a character to captivate his ardent mind. 
Their spirit is one which 

Downward, as from sire to son it goes. 
By changing bosoms more intensely glows. 

And in Adoniram Jndson this tire did not lose its power. 
Through his whole life there is little doubt that when 
his thoughts reverted to liome^ Plymouth asserted, and 
received, a pre-eminence of affectionate remembrance. 
Having had the advantage of such schools as the 
places where his father successively exercised his min- 
istry afforded, he entered the college at Providence, 
since known as Brown University, a year in advance, 



14 Childhood and Student Life. 

August ITth, 1804. He was consequently just sixteen 
years of age. 

Thus far Mr. Judson's position might be called very 
favorable. It had, however, some tendencies not best 
for a young man. In no one are indications of talent 
so certain to be observed as in a minister's son, and no 
one has in general so wide a stage on which to exhibit 
his powers and win admiration. It will excite little 
surprise that our subject entered on his collegiate ca- 
reer on very good terms with himself, but his subse- 
quent course, it must however be stated, was such that 
he did not suffer the dishonor w^hich often befalls a 
youth who, from imbibing an idea that his mental 
powers are very superior in a small circle at home, 
learns in college life their mediocre character. 

Mr. Judson went to Providence with the courage 
and the assurance of one who expected to gain great 
distinction. His course there showed his appreciation 
of the counsel of the great German : 

" Waver not to seize thy fore wish 
Where the many fear to clasp ; 
Noble minds may all accomplish — 
They perceive, and promptly grasp." 

In after life he described himself as being at this time 
"remarkable for active restlessness of mind and ex- 
treme gayety of disposition, a high relish for social life 
and fashionable amusements, all combined with an 
ardor of purpose and energy of pursuit that never 
tired."* 

N'aturally of a lively disposition, it is no wonder that 
so soon as he escaped from the quiet life of home to 

* Sketch of .Judson, by A. D. Gillette. 



Childhood axd Student Life. 15 

mingle with the throng of young men at Providence, 
that his predilections for society and amusement mani- 
fested their influence very unmistakably. Happily 
these were subordinate to his ambition. With the hope 
of distinction before him, he could not give himself 
to other pursuits, however attractive, with that reck- 
less abandonment which is sometimes manifested by 
their votaries. Whenever he yielded to his inclinations, 
and mingled in society with his gay associates, he made 
up for lost time by subsequent diligence. He habit- 
ually acquitted himself in the recitations of his class 
with a degree of credit more than usual. He gradua- 
ted in 1807, and in the assignment of parts for the com- 
mencement exercises he received the highest appoint- 
ment. He left Providence with the kindest encomiums 
of the Faculty. 

In the years which Mr. Judson spent at Providence, 
French infidelity was extremely popular. It is no 
wonder that with the general tendencies of young 
men to favor novel and extreme views, and when 
leading minds were entangled in its sophistical mazes, 
that it found many to welcome it in the colleges of 
the land. I^ot a few soon learned contempt for the 
Bible. Mr. Judson was of their number. 

After leaving the University he returned as usual to 
Plymouth, and for nearly a year conducted a school ; 
and while thus engaged he prepared and published 
an English Grammar, which, being submitted to Drs. 
Messer and Park, his late tutors, it was welcomed by 
them as a confirmation of their opinions of his talent 
and application, and received their warmest commen- 
dation. This is no mean proof of the estimation in 
which he was held ; and in this early effort to elucidate 
the laws of language, it is not diflicult for us to perceive 



16 Childhood and Student Life. 

the evidence of his endowments for the service to which 
he was afterward called to devote so large a portion 
of his life. Another literary assay of the same year 
was the publication of a book of Arithmetic. In the 
fact of two such works having been prepared in less 
than a year from his leaving the University, we have 
no small proof of his capability for patient and earnest 
literary labor. 

But while such were his literary qualifications for 
the work to which he was afterward called, his moral 
nature exhibited no preparation. He was amiable in 
character and behavior ; but before this time, as already 
shown, he had imbibed infidel opinions, and as yet gave 
not more proof of being selected for the service of the 
Gospel than did Saul when persecuting to the death 
those who called on the name of the Saviour. But, like 
him, though as yet he knew it not, he had been sepa- 
rated in the counsels of God for important services, and 
the time w^as approaching when he was to be brought 
into the light of truth. He determined, about a year 
after graduating, on the close of his school, to spend 
some time in travel, or, to use the language natural to a 
young man, " to see the world." It has been said that 
at this time he had probably in view a permanent res- 
idence in the South. With the opinions his parents 
knew him to hold, this project occasioned them no small 
degree of solicitude, and when he bade them farewell, 
the tears of the mother and the grieved look of the fa- 
ther deeply impressed his mind. The recollections of 
parental kindness, and sacrifice, and desire rested upon 
him, and were the still small voices before which the 
foundations of his infidelity began to tremble. This 
journey was to be as memorable to young Judson as that 
of Paul to Damascus. Various circumstances occurred 



Childhood and Student Life. 17 

to deepen the solemnity which rested on his spirit, but 
the most impressive was the death of a graduate of his 
own college, whose infidel opinions had greatly mod- 
eled his own, and the fear of whose raillery had made 
him the more unwilling to give the claims of Christi- 
anity a candid examination. This event is said to have 
occurred at a hotel in a village where Mr. Judson was 
spending the night under the same roof, without any 
knowledge of his proximity to his friend till he learned 
his decease. The impressions which he had hitherto 
been trying to efface gathered power from this circum- 
stance. The fortress of infidelity seemed no longer capa- 
ble of defense, and he determined to give the volume 
of revelation an investigation worthy its claims. With 
such a study traveling was incompatible, and besides 
this, his 'father's prayer at that morning hour of parting, 
and the silent tokens of a mother's holy yearning of 
soul,' returned upon him and impelled him to seek his 
home. Scarcely six weeks had passed from his setting 
out on his jom'ney before he was found again at his fa- 
ther's house. His desire for adventure was suspended, 
and the faith of Christian friends began to believe that 
as the Lord is sometimes found of those that seek him 
not, he had met with him by the way, with the gracious 
purpose of revealing his mercy in him. It was not pos- 
sible for one who had been endeavoring to bind the 
thi-eads of sophistry around his mind, to disentangle 
himself without intellectual conviction. Accordingly, 
he proceeded to study the evidences of revealed reli- 
gion, and it may be believed with an earnest desire to 
come to the knowledge of the truth. 

In this critical period of his history an opportunity 
was afforded for him to enter the Theological Seminary 
then recently instituted at Andover. This school hav- 



18 Childhood and Student Life. 

ing been founded for the training of young men for the 
ministry, it was of course required that all who shared 
its advantages should furnish evidences of the renewal 
of the Holy Ghost. But hope whispered predictions 
in the ears of two of its instructors, who providentially 
visited Plymouth at the time, and they suggested his 
going thither, being ready in his case to suspend the 
regulations. It is probable that a discovery of his abil- 
ities and attainments made them the more ready to 
adopt this course. Mr. Judson was scarcely prepared 
to accede to this proposal, and being indisposed to an 
inactive life, he repaired to Boston with view of re- 
suming the profession of an instructor. But the Divine 
purposes of mercy were neither to be thwarted nor de- 
layed in their accomplishment. Conscience was now 
to be so enlightened and quickened that all minor in- 
terests were to give way to an absorbing concern for 
his spiritual well-being. The agency employed for this 
important end was the work of a celebrated Scotch di- 
vine generally known as " Boston's Fourfold State." 
With this treatise he appears to have come in contact 
immediately on his arrival in Boston. Sufficient time 
had not elapsed to admit of any considerable progress 
in his investigations, and consequently his former diffi- 
culties still remained. In the state of mind to which 
he was brought there was no hope of rest till these were 
removed. The Andover proposition seemed to present 
an opportunity of investigation under such favorable 
auspices, and so intense was his concern that he determ- 
ined to avail himself of its advantages. Ever prompt 
in executing his purposes, he made immediate applica- 
tion. There was but an interval of twenty days from 
the date of his return to Plymouth to that of his ad- 
mission to the institution. This latter event occurred 



Childhood and Student Life. 19 

Oct. 12tli, 1808. He was not entered as a full member 
of the institution, but was allowed and encouraged to 
receive instruction with the other students. 

As we contemplate the motives which led Mr. Jud- 
son to this learned retreat, the mind traces a likeness 
in his case to that of those who in b j-gone ages betook 
themselves to monasteries to find peace for their souls. 
But if in accepting the hopes which Andover presented 
he resembled the subjects whom monastic chroniclers 
have sometimes depicted, it was happily his privilege 
to have truer light and abler guides. 

Many excellent persons would scarcely have been 
prepared to adopt the judicious measures which the 
professors used. Many would frown on skepticism, and 
drive its unhappy victim as far from Christian society 
as it leads him from Christian hope. It was Mr. Jud- 
son's privilege to find those who commiserated his case, 
treated his difficulties with forbearance, and sought to 
lead him to the Saviour. Their benevolent sympa- 
thies and considerate counsels were rewarded. In a 
short time he was enabled to receive the truth as in 
Jesus, and to rejoice in him as all his salvation and all 
his desire. 

The object which led him to Andover was now at- 
tained ; nevertheless he still lingered in the seminary, 
and was diligent in the acquisition of theological lore. 
With his conversion he seems to have formed at once 
the purpose of becoming fitted to teach others the 
truths which had brought peace to his own soul, and 
he became a member of the seminary for that end. 
He made a public profession late in the spring of the 
following year, when he united with the church in Ply- 
mouth, of which his father was pastor. That so long a 
time as six months elapsed from his conversion to this 



20 Childhood and Student Life. 

event is probably owing to a natural desire to join the 
church at home. It is likely that he embraced the ear- 
liest opportunity which his attendance at the seminary 
permitted. 

His attainments were of such a character that in the 
seminary he united with the class of the second year. 
After his conversion no noteworthy event occurred 
during the term. In the acquisition of a sound theo- 
logical education the counsels of God were tending 
to their accomplishment, and in due time a sphere of 
Christian labor was to be disclosed to his vision, the 
claims and importance of which were yet scarcely per- 
ceived by those who were in Christ before him. 



chapter SetcnK 

THE MISSIONARY CANDIDATE. 

' But when it pleased God, who separated me from mj m.other'3 
wom."b, and called me hy his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I 
might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred 

not ^ith flesh and blood. ' — Galatians i. 15, 16. 

ME. JTJDSOX entered on his second and last year 
of theological study at Andover before forming 
any purpose as to the field of his anticipated ministry. 
Indeed, at that time, so little regard was given to mis- 
sions to the heathen, as a practical enterprise of Chris- 
tian philanthropy, that, without a messenger like the 
Macedonian phantom, the generality of young men 
who contemplated preaching the gospel would scarcely 
have had a thought of any other field of labor than 
that which their own country presented. 

In this last year of student life, just as prospects the 
most honorable and inviting were opening before him, 
the celebrated discourse of the Eev. Claudius Buchanan, 
D. D., entitled the '' Star in the East," fell in his way. 
The efi'ects which sprung from his making acquaintance 
with this production are thus represented by himself : 
" For some days I was unable to attend to the studies 
of my class, and spent my time in considering my past 
stupidity, depicting the most romantic scenes in mis- 
sionary life, and roving about the college rooms, de- 
claiming on the subject of missions. My views were 
very incorrect, and my feelings extravagant ; but yet 



22 The Missionary Candidate. 

I have always felt thankful to God for bringing me 
into that state of excitement, which was perhaps neces- 
sary, in the first instance, to enable me to break the 
strong attachment I felt to home and country, and to 
endure the thought of abandoning all my wonted pur- 
suits and animating prospects. That excitement soon 
passed away ; but it left a strong desire to prosecute 
my inquiries, and ascertain the path of duty." 

Mr. Judson was inclined, from the time of his first 
reading Buchanan's sermon, to devote himself to the 
missionary work. "It imparted,'' as Dr. Hague has 
well said, "to his deep and indefinite longings a prac- 
tical aim, and seemed like the voice of God summoning 
him to his field of action." Mr. Mills thus mentions 
him, in correspondence with Gordon Hall, as early as 
December 20th, 1809, which was two months after his 
acquaintance with Buchanan's production : " With re- 
gard to Andover, two of the brethren are there ; I think 
it likely I shall go there myself soon, or within four or 
five weeks. I heard previously of Mr. Judson. You 
say he thinks of ofi'ering himself as a missionary to the 
London Society, for the East Indies." I^ot, however, 
till some five months after reading the "Star in the 
East" did he come to an irrevocable determination to 
yield himself to God for this great work. "It was 
during a solitary walk in the woods behind the college, 
while meditating and praying on the subject, and feel- 
ing half inclined to give it up, that the command of 
Christ, ' Go into all the world, and preach the gospel 
to every creature,' was presented to my mind with such 
clearness and power, that I came to a full decision, and 
though great difiiculties appeared in my way, resolved 
to obey the command at all events." 

This final determination was shortly after communi- 



The Missionary Candidate. 23 

cated to the relatives of Mr. Judson at Plymouth. 
Thej were previously aware that he contemplated de- 
voting himself to a mission to the heathen somewhere 
in the East. It is believed that they made little if any 
opposition to his purpose, but it was no common sac- 
rifice to either party. As already shown, Mr. Judson 
regarded his first excitement on this subject as merci- 
fully permitted of God to enable him to break his 
"strong attachments" for kindred and country. The 
regard of the Judson family for each other was un- 
doubtedl}^ more than ordinary. The desire and hope 
of the household had been to see Adoniram occupy a 
position of eminence at home, which would not only 
have enabled them to hold frequent intercourse with 
him, but to behold and be identified w4th the honors 
which it seemed certain awaited him. The prospects 
before him he himself characterized as "animating;" 
but the obligation of going to the Gentiles he could not 
escape from, and he determined that no earthly voices 
should hold him back. His purpose demanded not 
only the crucifixion of the unholy, but of the purest 
affections of his soul, and he cheerfully submitted. 

Being now satisfied as to the path of duty for himself, 
Mr. Judson was desirous of knowing who of his com- 
panions in study were prepared to make a like conse- 
cration. Of the readiness of some he was soon as- 
sured. Previous even to his consideration of the sub- 
ject, Samuel J. Mills, Ezra Fisk, James Richards, John 
Seward, and Luther Pice had associated themselves 
together at Williams College, with a view to missionary 
work when their course of theological studies should 
be completed. The object of this society, the constit- 
uents of which adopted the appellation of " Brethren, '^ 
was to " effect in the persons of its members a mission 



24 The Missionary Candidate. 

or missions to the heathen." In forming this society 
these young men were chiefly prompted by concern 
for the Indian population of our own continent. The 
constitution bears date September 7, 1808. Secrecy 
■was one of its articles, and no one was admitted to 
membership without being laid under affirmation : 
^' You solemnly promise to keep inmolahly secret the 
existence of this society." In order further to assure 
this, the constitution and minutes were kept in cypher."^ 
The reason of this studied privacy may be ascribed to 
the modesty of the originators, and a belief that the 
sentiment of the churches was not advanced enough 
for such an enterprise as they contemplated. Some of 
the members of this society, after graduating at Will- 
iamstown, repaired to Andover to study theology. Mr. 
Judson was already considering the subject when the 
flrst of these arrived, and it is probable, though their 
interests with regard to missions could not be con- 
cealed, that he did not know of the existence of the 
society at Williams College for some little time. In- 
deed, he states that for several months after reading 
Buchanan he found none among the students who 
viewed the subject as he did. Mr. Mills, in his letter 
of December 20th, as already seen, expected to go to 
Andover " soon, or within four or five weeks." Mr. 
Judson's decision was made early in February. It is 
probable that they did not meet till after this period. 
With regard to his companions, in contemplating this 
work, Mr. Judson has left the following record : 

" My earliest missionary associate was ISTott ; who, 
though he had recently entered the seminary (in the 



* A fac-simile of the cyphers employed may be found in Pearson's 
Missionary Memorial. 



The Missionaey Candidate 



early part of 1810), was a member of the same class 
with myself. He had considered the subject for sev- 
eral months, but had not fully made up his mind. 
About the same time, Mills, Eichards, and others 
joined the seminary from Williams College, where 
they had for some time been in the habit of meeting 
for prayer and conversation on the subject of missions ; 
but they entered the junior class, and had several years 
of theological study before them." 

Of those who were then in connection with the sem- 
inary, Messrs. Rice and Xewell afterward joined this 
company. 

Another, who proved in his day a " bright and shin- 
ing light," Gordon Hall, became of the number through 
Mr. Judson, who, having learned that he had once 
thought favorably of missions, wrote him a short letter. 
Mr. Hall had just received a call to settle in Wood- 
bury, Connecticut, and was deliberating whether it was 
his duty to accept it or not, when the letter was put 
into his hand. The next risino; sun saw him on the 
way to Andover ; and discovering that there was hope 
that his desire to engage in missionary work might 
perhaps soon be gratified, he resolved not to settle in 
" any parish in Christendom." 

The fact that several had been brought without con- 
cert or knowledge to consider the subject, Mr. .Judson 
regarded as manifestly betokening that the movement 
was of Grod. More than a quarter of a century after- 
ward he wrote: "I have ever thought that the provi- 
dence of God was conspicuously manifested in bring- 
ing us all together from different and distant parts. 
Some of us had been considering the subject of mis- 
sions for a long time, and some but recently. Seme, 
and indeed the greater part, had thought chiefly of 

2 



26 The Missionary Candidate. 

domestic missions and efforts among the neighboring 
tribes of Indians, without contemplating abandonment 
of country and devotement for life. The reading and 
reflection of others had led them in a different way ; 
and when we all met at the same seminary, and came 
to a mutual understanding on the ground of foreign 
missions and missions for life^ the subject assumed in 
our minds such an overwhelming importance and aw- 
ful solemnity, as bound us to one another and to our 
purpose more firmly than ever. How evident it is 
that the Spirit of God had been operating in different 
places and upon different individuals, preparing the 
way for those movements which have since pervaded 
the American churches, and will continue to increase 
until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms 
of our Lord and of his Anointed !" 

Being assured of companionship in his pursuit, Mr. 
Judson's attention was at once engrossed with a new 
question. Hitherto his mind had been occupied con- 
cerning the heathen, " How shall they hear without a 
preacher ?" The decision of himself and his associates 
was that they should have soms preachers. Tlie ques- 
tion now lifted itself before them — " How shall they 
preach except they be sent ?" This they were not able 
of themselves to solve. To find those who would send 
them to the heathen was no easy task. To those of us 
who live now, a missionary candidate is happily not 
rare, and it is difficult for us to realize the wonderment 
which was caused many of our fathers when it was an- 
nounced that these young men contemplated mission- 
ary work. Fulton's steamboat, in which a year and a 
half before Mr. Judson had traveled from I^ew York 
to Albany, scarcely awakened more curious inquiries 
than the news which at this time went forth concern- 



The Missionaky Candidate. 27 

ins: himself and his associates. At that time there was 
no organization in the United States for such an enter- 
prise as these vonng men contemplated. The Baptists 
of England had been honored of God in commencing 
a missionary society in 1792 ; and their example was 
followed some time after by Congregationalists and 
members of other evangelical churches, in founding 
what is generally known as the " London Missionary 
Society," and these had been followed by members of 
the Church of England in another organization. There 
was no doubt considerable interest on the subject of 
missions in the American churches, and large pecuni- 
ary contributions had been made in some instances in 
aid of the English missions, yet, as Mr, Cutting ob- 
serves, the " whole subject rested vaguely in the minds 
of most Christians in this country, and there was no 
organization in existence here under whose patronage 
a missionary could be sent abroad. The foundations 
of that vast and comprehensive enterprise which, rest- 
ing upon the prayers and contributions of the churches 
and on the promises of God, has sent forth many hun- 
dreds of missionaries to distant lands, and embraces 
under its protection and spiritual guidance many thou- 
sands of converts, were yet to be laid." 

Having made his resolve to prosecute his ministry 
for God where he was to have neither the stare of the 
vulgar nor the smiles of the elite to urge him forward, 
Mr. Judson's independence of human judgment with 
regard to the subject was soon manifest. Undoubtedly 
before all others of his class in making a decision, he 
was the very first to seek the realization of the object, 
by public endeavors to find the means of reaching a 
field of labor and being supported there. The move- 
ment which others had been seeking to forward "in 



28 The Mission a ky Candidate. 

silence and in fear," he prosecuted avowedly. 'No 
Barnabas came to Andover to seek the young men for 
such spheres of usefulness as they contemplated, and 
therefore he gave himself to a search for those who 
might be found willing to take the responsibilities 
which led this early servant of Christ to Tarsus. In 
this he was far from being as successful as he desired, 
and finding no minister in Andover or its neighborhood 
who as yet was prepared to take an active part in for- 
warding the object, he sought to discover some ray of 
hope elsewhere. Such he believed existed in the Lon- 
don Missionary Society ; and, April 23, 1810, he wrote 
to England, on behalf of himself and brethren, to know 
if there was a probability of that society taking them 
under its patronage if they should repair to the British 
metropolis on that errand. 

But, though the prospect appeared discouraging, 
yet God was leading eminent ministers and laymen to 
appreciate the importance of the subject, and they 
were beginning to perceive the duty of the churches 
to send American laborers into the field. After Mr. 
Judson had written on the subject to England, the 
question received more attention, and the sky of him- 
self and his associates assumed a brightened aspect. 
According to a previous arrangement, the Eev. Dr. 
Spring, of Is'ewburyport, and the Kev. Mr. Worcester, 
of Salem, with a few others, convened for consultation 
at the house of Professor Stuart, at Andover, June 25th, 
1810. This meeting was characterized by serious de- 
liberation and fervent prayer. It was felt that the time 
had come when foreign missions must be prosecuted. 
The question was regarded of such importance that it 
was deemed advisable to bring it before the General 
Association of Massachusetts, which was appointed to 



The Missionary Candidate. 29 

meet the same week. With a view to this, at the in- 
stance of Dr. Spring and Mr. Worcester, Mr. Judson 
prepared a memorial submitting the case of himself 
and brethren to that body.* It reads as follows : 

The undersigned, members of the Divinity College, respectfully 
request the attention of their Reverend Fathers, convened in the 
General Association at Bradford, to the following statement and in- 
quiries : 

They beg leave to state that their minds have been long impressed 
with the duty and importance of personally attempting a mission to 
the heathen ; that the impressions on their minds have induced a se- 
rious, and, as they trust, a prayerful consideration of the subject in its 
various attitudes, particularly in relation to the probable success and 
the difficulties attending such an attempt ; and that, after examining 
all the information which they can obtain, they consider themselves as 
devoted to this work for life, whenever God, in his providence, shall 
open the way. 

They now offer the following inquiries, on which they solicit the 
opinion and advice of this association : Whether, with their present 
views and feelings, they ought to renounce the object of missions, as 
either visionary or impracticable ; if not, whether they ought to direct 
their attention to the Eastern or the Western World ; whether they 
may expect patronage and support from a missionary society in this 
country, or must commit themselves to the direction of a European so- 

* In a paper in the " American Missionary Memorial," which has re- 
called to the writer's mind some interesting facts. Dr. S. M. Worcester 
says, " Advice was given to Mills and his associates," etc. None 
would desire to diminish the respect which is cherished for this noble 
spirit, but yet it should be borne in mind that those who were ready 
immediately to engage in missionary work were Messrs. Judson, New- 
ell, and Nott. Mr. Mills was in the Junior class, and was the only 
one of that class whose signature was permitted to appear. It is to be 
regretted that denominational partialities should so often have influ- 
enced writers to place the name of some one or other of the first mis- 
sionaries who retained their original ecclesiastical relations in promi- 
nence, when every official document of the times which we have 
seen has the name of Judson first. In the articles which appear 
in this valuable publication, from Presbyterian and Congregational 
writers, it is remarkable that by no accident does Mr. Judson's name 
have precedence in the list. 



30 The Missionaky Candidate. 

ciety ; and what preparatory measures they ought to take, previous to 
actual engagement ? 

The undersigned, feeling their youth and inexperience, look up to 
their fathers in the Church, and respectfully solicit their advice, direc- 
tion, and prayers. 

(Signed) Adoniram Judsoiv, Jr. 

Samuel Nott, Jr. 
Samuel J. Mills. 
Samuel Newell. 

Two other names — those of James Ilichards and 
Luther Kice — were originally appended to this docu- 
ment, but were not allowed to appear when it was 
presented to the association ; it being suggested by Dr. 
Spring that so large a number as six might alarm that 
body!* 

After the presentation of the memorial, Mr. Judson 
and his associates were invited severally to make a 
statement of their motives and views on the question. 
One by one they arose, and, with the earnestness of 
young men in pursuit of a cherished purpose, at this 
time conjoined with the "boldness" which the Divine 

* Dr. S. M. Worcester says, " The name of James Richards was 
withheld from the paper and even that of Gordon Hall.'' There is 
reason to believe that Mr. Hall did not come to Andover till about the 
time of the meeting of the Association at Bradford. After receiving 
Mr. Judson's letter, he went there to inquire about the subject, and 
then declined his call to Woodbury. It is doubtful whether his name 
could have been appended to a document from ^^ members of the Di- 
vinity College." i\Ir. Judson, in his letter to Mr. Rice in 1837, wrote 
concerning Mr. Hall as follows : 

" I think that he arrived about the time of the meeting of the Gen- 
eral Association of Ministers at Bradford, in the summer of 1810. I 
do not, however, recollect him present at that meeting, nor was his 
name attached to the paper which we presented to the association, and 
which was originally signed by Nott, Newell, Mills, Rice, Richards, 
and myself, though, at the suggestion of Dr. Spring, your name and 
Richards', which happened to stand last, were struck off, for fear of 
alarming the association with too large a number." 

Of Luther Rice, Dr. Worcester seems altogether oblivious. 



The Missionary Candidate. 31 

Spirit commnnicates to those wlio are obeying His 
voice, they pleaded the cause of the heathen, and pro- 
claimed their own earnest longings to engage in labors 
for their evangelization. Seldom has there been a 
scene of more important moral significance, than the 
meeting-house in Bradford presented when these young 
men urged their suit before the representatives of the 
churches. 

The memorial was referred to a committee of three, 
consisting of Dr. Spring and Messrs. Worcester and 
Hale. The young men were then dismissed to return 
to Andover. They had made "a good profession be- 
fore many witnesses," and we may suppose they took 
their way homeward with gratitude to God that they 
had been permitted the privilege. 

Mr. Judson and his associates cherished the hope 
that immediate measures would be adopted. But they 
were called to exercise long patience. The General 
Association, on the recommendation of their committee, 
proceeded to institute a '" Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions for the purpose of devising ways and 
means, and adopting and prosecuting measures for 
promoting the spread of the Gospel in heathen lands." 
This was all they were then prepared to do, and they 
therefore voted : " That, fervently commending them 
to the grace of God, we advise the young gentlemen, 
whose request is before us, in the way of earnest prayer 
and diligent attention to suitable studies and means 
of information, and putting themselves under the pat- 
ronage and direction of the Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions, humbly to wait the openings and 
guidance of Providence in respect to their great and 
excellent design." The first meeting of this board was 
appointed to be held in the following September. 



32 The Missionary Candidate. 

Mr. Judson was called to a great work, for which 
he had been prepared both by nature and grace, and 
therefore could not find much satisfaction in labors in 
the vineyard at home ; but he felt it imperative at this 
time to follow the advice of the Association. Having 
been licensed by one of the Kew England Associations, 
while he remained at Andover, he preached often in 
neighboring towns. In this practice he continued 
when in the United States, till his embarkation for 
Asia. On one occasion, after his missionary plans 
were formed, it is said that he visited Dartmouth Col- 
lege, and was invited to preach on the Lord's day at 
Hanover. A very bitter Universal ist was among the 
congregation, who thus expressed himself on the fol- 
lowing day: "I pitied that young man when I saw 
him enter the pulpit in the morning, but before he 
came down I pitied myself" At this time there is no 
doubt that his pulpit efforts left frequently a solemn 
impression. His intellect was remarkable ; his ad- 
vantages of qualifying himself had been of the first 
order and diligently improved ; and, at the same time, 
his mind was occupied with considerations of the mo- 
mentous interests of eternity. At this period it was 
usual with him to deliver his discourses without notes. 
His elocution was greatly admired. In view of this 
combination of intellect, knowledge, feeling, and de- 
livery, we are justified in remarking that it is not 
likely that many young men, fresh from a seminary, 
would be equal to Mr. Judson in power to interest a 
congregation. 

September came, and the board organized and gave 
the " young gentlemen at Andover" the good advice to 
prepare their studies till further information relative to 
the missionary field could be obtained, and the finances 



The Missionary Candidate. 33 

of the institution wonld justify their appointment. .Aftei 
giving this counsel, however, they began to seek funds 
from the churches, which was at least indicative of a 
movement forward. 

The Prudential Committee appointed by the board 
were shortly after impressed with the expediency of 
sending some one to England, that they might learn 
whether it was feasible to form a union with the Lon- 
don Missionary Society. With the prominence always 
given Mr. Judson, he was selected for this errand. 
An extract from the instructions of the committee, 
given by the secretary, the Kev. Samuel "Worcester, 
will more fully and best explain the object of this em- 
bassy : "A principal object of your attention will be 
to ascertain, as distinctly as possible, whether any and 
what arrangements can be made for a concert of meas- 
ures, in relation to missions, between the American 
Board of Commissioners and the London Missionary 
Society ; particularly whether, if circumstances should 
render it desirable, you and your brethren can be sup- 
ported in missionary service for any time by the Lon- 
don funds, without committing yourselves wholly and 
finally to the direction of the London society; or 
whether it may be in any case consistent for the mis- 
sion to be supported partly by them and partly by us ; 
and if so, under whose direction it must be held. On 
these points you will possess yourself of the views of 
the directors of the London society, and receive their 
propositions for our consideration. You will also, 
during your stay in England, avail yourself of your 
opportunities and advantages for obtaining ample and 
correct information relating to missionary fields, the 
requisite preparations for missionary services, the most 
eligible methods of executing missions, and generally 

2* 



34 The Missionary Candidate. 

to whatever may be conducive to the missionary inter- 
est ; and the most important parts of such information 
as you may obtain you will commit to writing for the 
use of the American Board." 

Previous to this time, Mr. Judson had corresponded 
with the Rev. Dr. Burder, the secretary of the London 
Missionary Society, and also with the Rev. Dr. Bogue, 
the principal of the seminary then connected with the 
institution at Gosport. In the beginning of January, 
1811, he sailed in the "packet" bound for London, 
bearing with him a lengthy communication declaratory 
of the views of the Prudential Committee, intended to 
be submitted to the Directors of the London Mission- 
ary Society. A concluding paragraph of this commu- 
nication will perhaps cause a smile : "It may not be 
improper to state, that some of these young men pro- 
pose to take wives with them to the missionary field. 
If this meet the approbation of your board, as we are 
not unapprised of the laudable care which you take in 
regard to the character, not only of your missionaries 
themselves, but also of their wives, we shall certainly 
consider it important that similar care be taken here." 

Mr. Judson left his native land full of high hopes. 
But now, when he seemed about to realize his desires, 
he was to have an opportunity to reconsider his pur- 
pose, and if his views were " incorrect," or any feelings 
of an " extravagant" character remained, he was to 
have an opportunity to form more just and chastened 
ideas. At the time the voyage was undertaken, war 
was prevailing between France and England, and on 
the voyage the vessel was captured by a French priva- 
teer. There was nothing which indicated that he was 
an American, and he, of course, shared in the priva- 
tions and sufferings of the crew and English passengers ; 



The Missionaey Candidate. 35 

but afterward liis origin was known, and he received 
better treatment. The privateer took her passengers 
to Bavonne. The influence of an American gentleman 
procured his release from the prison on parole, and 
after several weeks a passport was obtained from the 
emperor, and, though the war between the two coun- 
tries rendered communication very difficult, he reached 
the Eno^lish shores four months after leavino^ the United 
States. 

Mr. Judson proceeded to a prompt execution of 
the duties assigned him, by visiting Dr. Burder and se- 
curing the attention of the directors to his communi- 
cations and testimonials. As a consequence of the 
representations he was able to make, the directors re- 
solved to accept him as their missionary, and joined 
with his name those of his associates, Messrs. JSTewell, 
ITott, and Hall. This apj)ointment was made with the 
understanding that they should be employed in form- 
ing a new station for missionary exertions, rather than 
be separated from each other among the several sta- 
tions already occupied by the society. 

In receiving them as missionaries, the directors de- 
clined any union with the American Board. It may 
be supposed that the chief reason was the embarrass- 
ment which they saw must necessarily arise if they had 
to wait the results of communications with parties on 
the other side of the Atlantic before adopting measures 
which they might deem expedient. 

The object of Mr. Judson's visit to England being 
in great measure attained, he determined to return to 
the United States, and sailed for I^ew York in the miu 
die of June. 



REALIZATION. 

" Unto me, who am. less than the least of all saints, is this grace 
given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchahle 
riches of Christ." — Ephesians lii. 8. 

THE second meeting of the American Board was 
held at Worcester, September 18th, 1811, about a 
month after Mr. Judson's return to the United States. 
At this meeting the Prudential Committee announced 
that they had learned from him that "the London di- 
rectors are of opinion that a joint conduct of missions 
will not be practicable, and that, although they are 
ready to receive our young brethren under their pat- 
ronage, and would gladly have aid from us in respect 
to their support, yet they do not think it consistent to 
admit this board to a participation with them in the 
direction of the mission." 

Such being the aspect of the case, it was evident 
that the board must either yield at once all claim on 
the young men, or proceed to found missions of its 
own. Its members preferred the latter alternative, 
and voted to " retain under their care the young gen- 
tlemen who last year devoted themselves to the service 
of God for life, as missionaries in foreign parts." 

Though not prepared to surrender its charge of the 
young men, they were far from being ready to assume 
immediately the responsibility which their action an- 
ticipated ; and on the second day a vote was passed : 



Realization. 37 



"That this board do not advise Messrs. Adonirani 
Judson, Jr. and Samnel Kott, Jr.,"^to place themselves 
atjyresent under the direction of the London Missionary 
Society, but to wait the further intimations of Provi- 
dence relative to our means of fmniishing them with 
the requisite support in the proposed foreign mission." 
It is probable that to the young men this advice 
sounded too much like that given the previous year. 
There is reason to believe that Mr. Judson gave plain 
intimation that such counsel was not very acceptable. 
jS'or is it to be wondered at ; for, in advising them not 
to place themselves " at present" under the care of the 
London Society, it seems that it was thought that such 
a course might yet be necessary. 1:^0 one could guar- 
antee that, while waiting for the board in America to 
deliberate and prosecute its inquiries, the door which 
Providence had shown them in England would con- 
tinue open. It was very certain that if the board did 
not obtain an infusion of self-reliance and courage be- 
yond what had previously been apparent, that the 
young men might remain in the United States for a 
long time. With the opening in London, they were 
indisposed to delay. Be this as it may, the board 
seems to have come to the conclusion, before the sec- 
ond dav closed, that its hesitatino^ and timid councils 
must be abandoned, and in the end we have the record 
of the adoption of a more worthy course: "Messrs. 
Adoniram Judson, Jr., Samuel ISTott, Jr., Samuel 
Is'ewell, and Gordon Hall were appointed missiona- 
ries to labor under the direction of this board in Asia, 
either in the Burman empire, or in Surat, or in Prince 
of Wales Island, or elsewhere, as, in the view of the 
Prudential Committee, Providence shall open the most 
favorable door." 



38 Realization, 



To the view of the board, Burmah presented the 
most eligible opening for extensive labor which could 
be found in any country in the East, not subject to the 
East India Company of Great Britain. As a sphere 
of missionary labor it had occupied Mr. Judson's at- 
tention more than any other, he having become greatly 
interested in it from studying the gorgeous descriptions 
furnished in Colonel Symes' "Embassy to Ava." Two 
other important fields were named by the board, and, 
though these were widely separate, it was enougli for 
Mr. Judson that they were in the East, were thickly 
populated with idolaters, and in going to either of 
them he would have an opportunity of complying with 
the last command of his Lord. 

With the commencement of 1812, he began to take 
the final steps for his departure from the land of his 
nativity. The selection of a companion for life, whose 
spirit should be congenial to his own, was a matter 
which had occasioned him much thought and prayer. 
While at Bradford, in 1810, on the occasion of his 
attending the meeting of the Association, w^iich took 
the initial action on the missionary question, he was 
introduced to Miss Ann Hasseltine, and from that time 
cultivated acquaintance with her by visits and cor- 
respondence. Before the close of the year, his first 
impressions of her eminent fitness, not only to minister 
to his own comfort in his w^ork, but to bear an honor- 
able part in its prosecution, were so strongly confirmed 
that he made her an ofier of marriage, including, of 
course, the proposition for her to accomj^any him to 
his field of labor. In this step he observed the honor- 
able courtesy of life, and, by letter, sought the approval 
of Mr. John Hasseltine, her father. After announcing 
tlie fact of the ofier of marriage, he addresses him as 



Realization. 39 



follows : "I have now to ask whether you can consent 
to part with your daughter early next spring, to see 
her no more in this world ; whether you can consent 
to her departure for a heathen land, and her subjection 
to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life ; 
whether you can consent to her exposure to the dan- 
gers of the ocean ; to the fatal influence of the sultry 
clime of India ; to every kind of want and distress, to 
degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent 
death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of 
Him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and 
for you ; for the sake of perishing immortal souls ; for 
the sake of Zion, and the glory of God ? Can you con- 
sent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter 
in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness, 
brightened by the acclamations of praise which shall 
redound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through 
her means, from eternal wo and despair ?" 

The idea of being a missionary to the heathen was 
entirely new to an American woman ; but the entries 
in the diary and correspondence of Miss Hasseltine 
prove that good sense and piety directed her decision 
on this then novel question. The marriage which 
bound them together for the arduous toil of a mission- 
ary field, took place at Bradford, February 5th, 1810. 
Mrs. Judson had lately completed her twenty-second 
year. 

The next day, February 6th, is memorable as being 
the day of ordination of the first American mission- 
aries for foreign work. The council convened in the 
Tabernacle Church, at Salem. It included among its 
delegates the Eev. Samuel Spring, D.D., of [N'ewbury- 
port, the Eev. Jedediah Morse, D.D., of Charlestown, 
the Eev. Edward D. Griffin, D.D., of Boston, the Eev. 



4:0 Realization. 



Professor Leonard Woods, D.D., of Andover, and the 
Rev. Mr. Worcester, pastor of the church in whose 
venerable edifice the council assembled. Before this 
council Mr. Judson and his associates, Samuel Newell, 
Samuel Xott, Gordon Hall, and Luther Rice, severally 
gave an account of their views of doctrine, their per- 
sonal hopes of the Divine favor, and their motives 
and prospects in offering themselves to the important 
service of a mission to the heathen world. 

The council resolved to separate the young men to 
the work to which they believed they were called by 
the Holy Ghost, and proceeded to ordain them the same 
day. 

The services of the occasion attracted a vast con- 
course of people. The snow-covered streets of the old 
town of Salem were well beaten by foot travel, and 
especially might this be marked in the vicinity of the 
Tabernacle. In the crowded assemblage present with- 
in were men whose praises were in all the churches, 
and young students from Andover, who had gladly 
sought an opportunity to be there, and who, at night, 
when over thirty miles of pedestrian toil had been ac- 
complished, deemed themselves most especially favored 
to have been in Salem that day. The attendance 
showed that there were many who felt the sentiment 
uttered by Dr. Spring in his charge: ''No enterprise 
comparable to this has been embraced by the American 
Church, All others retire before it, like the stars be- 
fore the rising sun." 

In the services of the occasion. Dr. Griffin offered 
the introductory prayer. Dr. Woods preached the 
sermon. The prayer of ordination was offered by Dr. 
Morse, and the charge given, as intimated above, by 
Dr. Spring. The account of these services is familiar in 



Rkalizatiun. 41 



the American cliurches ; and, with the memorials which 
we possess, we may agree with the opinion which 
Dr. Asa Smith has felicitously expressed : "ISTever, 
perhaps, were ordination services in more perfect keep- 
ing with the occasion, l^othing was commonplace — 
nothing merely perfunctory. Every thing had an air 
of conscientiousness, directness, and earnestness, indi- 
cating most clearly a deep sense of the seriousness 
and magnitude of the work in hand." 

As a result of the proceedings of that day, many 
who had only looked to their own salvation, or, at the 
utmost, to the evangelization of their own country, 
obtained a wider view of the glory of Christ's kingdom, 
and were led to unite in magnificent plans of mercy, 
by which multitudes out of every nation, people, and 
tongue will be brought to His throne. 

Mr. Judson was now recognized by the churches as 
an embassador of Christ to the heathen. If we regard 
a desire for a work as any proof of a Divine call to 
and fitness for its jjrosecution, none can doubt the pro- 
priety of his being set apart for missionary labor. He 
had other -qualifications of a high order. His intel- 
lectual powers and attainments, as the reader will al- 
ready have marked, had attracted great attention, and 
caused most favorable auguries to be uttered concern- 
ing him in the event of his remaining in America. It 
has, we know, sometimes been argued that God chooses 
" ignorant and nnlearned men" for important under- 
takings. It is not difiicult, certainly, to show that, 
oftentimes. His instruments have been selected from 
among those whose early days have been passed amid 
the hardships and privations incident to poverty; but 
it is also easy to show, from an examination of instances, 
that the most cultivated intellects have been called to 



42 Realization, 



service whenever these have been found in connection 
with that holiness which is indispensable for the Divine 
use. It is easy for superficial minds to plead that 
Carey was a shoemaker ; but they would not present 
such a case if they remembered that his philological 
and theological attainments were very considerable 
when he went to India. Though these acquirements 
were not made in a seminary, few who passed through 
English institutions were his equals. So, in the case 
of our pioneer missionary : The Lord anointed one 
who had not only spiritual affections, and whose intel- 
lect was capable of large acquirements, but who had 
also possessed and improved opportunities by which 
the head was qualified for its part of the consecration. 
Appointed, married, ordained, there remained only 
the embarkation for Mr. Judson to realize the fulfill- 
ment of his desires in connection with his departure. 
In less than two weeks after the ordination, on the 
eighteenth of February, his wife and himself, and with 
them Mr. and Mrs. Newell, were on board the Car- 
avan, bound for India. The last adieus of Christian 
friends had been taken, and the next morning they 
were all looking on the old town and the coasts of 
their native land as they believed for the last time. 
Their departure was not like that of missionaries in this 
day. Their enterprise was regarded as excessively 
fanatical; and many Christians who, amid the sol- 
emn influences of the ordination services, felt a deep 
sympathy for them, in what they deemed less ex- 
cited moments, doubted the propriety of their under- 
taking. When Mr. Judson returned to this country, 
he himself gave an account of the circumstances of 
the departure in 1812 : " When your missionaries 
left your shores, veiy few were willing to be known 



Realization. 43 



as approving of their entei^prise. Two joung men, 
about to go from their homes to the heathen, on the 
morning of their departure from their native land, 
were addressed by the secretary of a missionary soci- 
ety, as they sat at his breakfast table, as follows : 
' Brethren, I have business that demands my attention 
to-day in a neighboring town ; you will therefore have 
to excuse me from going with you to your vessel !' 
Those young men went silently and alone." Any one 
acquainted with the uncertainties attached to the sail- 
ing of vessels forty years since, will not wonder, per- 
haps, that this was the case ; but it is evident that 
ministers in that day had not much of that love and 
enthusiasm, with regard to missionaries, which the 
Ephesian elders manifested toward Paul when they 
" accompanied him to the ship." The Christian world 
has now a more just appreciation of the honorable 
character of the missionary enterprise, and masters of 
merchant vessels are not so contented to wait for fair 
winds. 

The sundering of the ties which bound them to their 
homes was no small- grief, and the thought of leaving 
their native land, apparently thus " despised and for- 
saken of men" was peculiarly trying, both to Mr. Jud- 
son and Mr. IN^ewell. The first act of these young men 
on board ship was that which piety, as well as loneli- 
ness, would prompt. There was a voice speakinii: to 
them, "Enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy 
doors about thee," and obeying its spirit, they with- 
drew from the deck, and " when they threw themselves 
on their knees in tlieir lonely cabin, they seemed to 
hear a voice saying, ' You are not alone, for I am with 
you.' " 

ISTever had a vessel quitted the United States which 



44 Realization, 



bore Americans on a like errand to that of the passen- 
gers of the Caravan. The truths which Bernard Barton 
has so beautifully wrought into verse concerning the 
first Baptist missionaries from Old England will apply 
to the first missionaries from ISTew England : 

" These went not forth, as man too oft hath done. 

Braving the ocean billows' wild nproar. 
In hopes to gather ere life's sands were run. 

Yet added heaps of Mammon's sordid ore. 
They went not forth earth's treasures to explore, 

Where sleeps in sunless depths the diamond's ray, 
Nor were they urged by love of classic lore. 

Their homage of idolatry to pay 

Where heroes fought and fell, or poets poured their lay. 

"They left not home to cross the briny sea. 

With the proud conqueror's ambitiouy aim, 
To wrong the guileless, to enslave the free. 

And win a blood-stained wreath of doubtful fame 
By deeds unworthy of the Christian name ; 

Nor to inspect, with taste's inquiring eye, 
Temple and palace of gigantic frame, 

Or pyramid up-soaring to the sky, 

Trophies of art's rich power in ages long gone by. 

" For they went forth as followers of the Lamb, 
To spread His gospel-message far and wide, 
In the dread power of Him, the great I Am, 
In the meek spirit of the Crucified. " 

On the voyage, Mr. Judson devoted much timo to 
study. The result of this on one subject will more 
properly be embraced in the following .chapter. Both 
himself and wife were earnestly seeking the piety they 
believed essential for their great work. In this we 
may believe they were mutual helpers. In a letter da- 
ted ''At sea, April 11th, 1812," Mrs. Judson says: "I 
find Mr. Judson one of the kindest, most faithful, and 
aflfectionate of husbands. His conversation frequently 



Realization. 45 



dissipates the gloomy clouds of spiritual darkness 
which hang over my mind, .and brightens my hope of 
a happy eternity. I hope God will make lis instru- 
mental of preparing each other for usefulness in this 
world, and greater happiness in a future world." 

On the 13th of June it was the pleasure of our voy- 
agers to hear the welcome word " Land," and to 
look upon the towering mountains of Golconda. That 
night they came to anchor in the Bay of Bengal, and, 
having procured a pilot, on the 15th they commenced 
ascending the Hoogley. Two days after, the Cara- 
van was in the harbor of Calcutta. Proceeding on 
shore, Mr. Judson sought permission to live in the 
country, but at night returned to the vessel to announce 
his ill-success. The following morning the two breth- 
ren made a fresh attempt, but without any satisfactory 
result. The party, however, determined to land, and 
were met and welcomed by the venerable leader of 
English missions. Dr. Carey. 

In the evening it was the privilege of the new mis- 
sionary company once more to gather with a worship- 
ing assembly. Only those who have spent long days 
deprived of the privileges of the sanctuary, can fully 
enter into their feelings, as, entering into an edifice 
belonging to the Church of England, they " heard the 
organ play our old favorite tune, 'Bangor.'" Every 
thing in the appearance of the building was different 
from a church-edifice at home. Adapted to the cli- 
mate in its construction, and having " a number oijnon- 
Icahs^ something like a fan several yards in length, 
hung around, with ropes fastened to the outside, which 
were pulled by some of the natives to keep the church 
cool," it seemed to show that they were far from home. 
Yery diflferent, likewise, were the usages of worship 



46 JRealization. 



from those to which they had been accustomed in their 
native 'New England ; jet we may suppose that many 
passages in the services touched responsive chords in 
their souls. In the reading of the ninety-third and 
ninety-fourth Psalms — which were a part of the ap- 
pointed Scriptures — there were verses which had pecu- 
liar and new significance. They could testify that 
" The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly ; 
but yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier." 
Perhaps, as already they found the ruling powers plac- 
ing difficulties in the way of their enterprise, their souls 
went up in the inquiry, " Lord, how long shall the un- 
godly, how long shall the ungodly triumph?" It may 
be that they concluded, ''Blessed is the man whom 
thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out thy 
law." In what language could their faith more appro- 
priately express itself than this: "The Lord will not 
fail his people ; neither will He forsake his inherit- 
ance ; until righteousness turn again unto judgment?" 



FIRST DATS IN ASIA. 

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are per- 
plexed, "but not in despair," — 2 Cob xv. 8. 

AFTER a niglit in Calcutta, Mr. and Mrs. Judson, 
with Mr. and Mrs. Xewell, repaired to Serampore, 
in accordance Tritli an invitation they had received 
from the missionaries there, to make th'^ir home with 
them till the arrival of Messrs. Hall, I^ott, and Eice, 
who had appointed to sail from Philadelphia the same 
week that the Caravan left Salem. 

In the congenial associations which were presented 
them by acquaintance with Messrs. Marshman and 
"Ward, both Mr. Judson and Mr. iJs'ewell found great 
delight, after the long incarceration of a voyage from 
Salem to Calcutta. They had enjoyed this privilege 
but ten days when the interference of the government 
caused them great distress. 

A brief account of the circumstances under w^hich 
the vast territory, generally known as the British East 
Indies, is held, may be useful to our younger readers. 
Though regarded as a possession of the English crown, 
its government is vested in the East India Company. 
The origin of this body was as follows : In the year 
1600 a number of London merchants formed themselves 
into an association for trading purposes, with a capital 
of about £iOO,000. To this association Queen Elizabeth 
granted a charter, incorporating them as "The Gov- 



48 First Days in Asia. 

eriior and Company of Merchants of London trading 
to the East Indies." The company, in its origin, ap- 
pears to have simply had trade in view ; but its career 
has been aptly compared to the case of the man who 
went forth in quest of his father's asses, and returned 
having found a kingdom. In its search for pearls, 
spices, and silks, it discovered a territory over which 
it was easy to assert and maintain absolute dominion. 
This it was not slow in doing ; and in order to legalize 
its conquests in the country of which its members 
were subjects, from successive monarchs and by laws 
of Parliament the company obtained increased im- 
munities and powers. By great sagacity, and, it is to 
be feared, little regard to moral considerations, it has 
continued to make additions to its possessions till it 
has obtained a large empire, which has been ruled with 
despotic power. It is customary for the charter to be 
renewed every few years ; and, till about the period of 
the formation of the English Baptist Missionary Soci- 
ety, the Christian world gave so little attention to the 
diffusion of the Gospel, that the obstacles which the 
company were disposed to place in the way of evangeliz- 
ing its territories scarcely received any attention. At 
that time, as Messrs. Carey and Thomas were about to 
depart for India, general attention was given to that 
immense country as a field of Christian labor, and the 
opposition of the company to evangelization became 
more fully known and realized. The subject of the 
renewal of the charter coming before the House of 
Commons in 1793, strenuous efforts were made to graft 
into it provisions favorable to missions. The effort 
was, however, unsuccessful. Indeed, so little light 
was there in high places, that a bishop rose in his place 
in the House of Lords to deprecate " any attempt to 



FiKST Days in Asia. 49 

interfere with, the religion, laws, or local customs of 
the people of India ;" and, as his ground for such a 
course, maintained that, " as Christians, there was no 
obligation upon us, were it possible, which he denied, 
to attempt the conversion of the natives of India — the 
command of our Saviour to his apostles to preach the 
Gospel to all nations, did not, as he conceived, apply 
to us !" 

The charter being thus renewed, no pains were spared 
by the company or its servants to prevent missionaries 
obtaining access to the native mind. Dr. Carey and 
his associates found it impossible, for years, to obtain 
a footing in the company's possessions ; and had, 
therefore, to resort to Serampore. But when that 
place passed into the possession of the East India Com- 
pany, in 1801, the extensive attainments of the mis- 
sionaries as linguists, and the valuable character of 
their facilities for printing, procured for them a partial 
toleration in missionary labors. So little had the com- 
pany done for evangelization up to the time of Mr. 
Judson's arrival, that, though in England the members 
of this corporation most valiantly shouted " Church 
and Ejng" at the convivial board, but two edifices 
of worship could be found in all India belonging to 
the Church in which they professed to glory. 

When the American missionaries arrived at Calcutta, - 
the charter of the company was again near expiration. 
The light of the nineteenth century had done something 
for India in England, and it was evident that it could 
not be renewed without some regard being paid to 
the demands of Christian philanthropy. Like all other 
men who desire to perpetuate wrong, and only relin- 
quish their power to do evil by compulsion, the com- 
pany, in the prospect of the loss of its proscriptive 

3 



50 First Days IN Asia. 

privileges, manifested more than ever its bitter and 
unrelenting hostilit}^ to Christian missions. It was 
this which caused Mr. Judson and his brother mis- 
sionary to be summoned to Calcutta. Arriving there, 
ihey foimd their worst fears realized ; a government or- 
der being read to them requiring them immediately to 
leave the Presidency and return to America. 

To the view of the two missionaries and their En- 
glish brethren the prospect was now exceedingly dark. 
They, however, set themselves to an earnest consider- 
ation as to the practicability of finding a field of labor 
where they could be free from the dictation of the 
powers who held sway in British India. When ac- 
cepted as missionaries, the brethren liad been appointed 
" to labor, under the direction of the board, in Asia^ 
either in the Burman empire, or in Surat, or in Prince 
of Wales Island, or elsewhere," as Providence might 
open a " favorable door." Large as was the field in- 
dicated, they could not find a "favorable door." E'oah's 
dove found it no more difiicult to discover a restinof- 
place, than tliey did a spot where they might preach 
the Gospel. 

The project of a mission to Burmah, which was a 
primary instruction of the board, was considered out 
of the question. The English brethren who had la- 
bored there had done so amid many discouragements, 
and in circumstances of great danger, and an entire 
cessation of efi'ort was contemplated. Unwilling to go 
back to America, and thus relinquish all hope of mis- 
sionary labor in the East, the brethren solicited leave 
to go to the Isle of France, and as the vessel which of- 
ered the opportunity of going thither could accommo- 
date but two passengers, it was yielded to Mr. and Mrs. 
Newell, who accordingly sailed August 4th. 



First Days in Asia. 51 

Four days after the departure of Mr. Kewell, Messrs. 
Hall, ^ott, and Eice arrived. Perceiving no other 
course open, the two former resolved likewise to seek 
the Isle of France ; but afterward learning that more tol- 
eration might be hoped for in Bombay, they sailed for 
that presidency in the latter part of November. Here, 
with great difficulty, they obtained permission to re- 
main. Mr. Hall, it is well known, for some thirteen 
years nobly toiled in the service of his Master, when 
he resigned his spirit to his Creator and God. Mr. 
IN'ott was in a short time induced by the state of his 
health to return to the United States. 

Mr. Judson and Mr. Rice yet remained in Calcutta. 
There was a tie binding them closely to each other. 
Though they had sought the Eastern world in different 
vessels, yet while on the voyage each had been en- 
gaged in study on a controversial subject, which had 
brought them on their arrival in India to be greatly in 
doubt concerning doctrines to which all their days they 
had given an unhesitating assent. As Mr. Judson ex- 
pected on arriving in Calcutta to meet the Baptist mis- 
sionaries, he felt it important for the honor of his de- 
nomination to be able to defend its sentiments, if, as 
he thought probable, occasion should arise which would 
render it necessary. When, however, he brought suc- 
cessive arguments in review, and considered how they 
would be met by Baptist advocates, he found them 
more liable to overthrow than he had supposed, while 
it appeared to him that the simple principles which 
they held, though very capable of ridicule in popular 
discourse, could not be satisfactorily disposed of in 
the closeness of argument which became a personal 
interview, especially with those who were some years 
older than himself, and who had, therefore, a claim for 



52 First Days in x\sia. 

courteousness, which with younger men might not ap- 
pear so imperative. 

On arriving in India, Mr. Judson, like many others, 
found Baptists not so belligerent as his early educa- 
tional prejudices had led him to suppose. In the 
weeks he spent in Serampore, to his surprise, his rather 
uncharitable expectations of the ill-breeding of the 
missionaries were not realized. They scrupulously 
fulfilled the duties of hospitality, and did not obtrude 
their peculiarities on the attention of their guests. 
Nevertheless, he pursued his studies on the subject, 
though earnestly dissuaded by Mrs. Judson. After 
the arrival *of the rest of the missionary company, they 
took up their abode in Calcutta, and having found in 
the library of their chamber many books on both 
sides, he was soon joined in his inquiries on the subject 
by his wife. She has left a record that she commenced 
reading with all her prejudices on the Pgedobaptist 
side. 

The spirit in which these inquiries were subsequently 
prosecuted can be best shown by an extract from the 
pen of Mrs. Judson, as found in her memoir by Pro- 
fessor Knowles. 

" Mr. Judson resolved to examine it candidly and 
prayerfully, let the result be what it would. IS'o one 
in the mission family knew the state of his mind, as 
they never conversed with any of us on this subject. 
I was very fearful he would become a Baptist, and fre- 
quently suggested the unhappy consequences if he 
should. He always answered, that his duty compelled 
him to examine the subject, and he hoped he should 
have a disposition to embrace the truth, though he 
paid dear for it. I always took the Psedobaptists' side 
in reasoning with him, although I was as doubtful of 



First Days in Asia. 63 

the truth of their system as he. After we came to 
Calcutta, he devoted his whole time to reading on this 
subject, having obtained the best authors on both sides. 
After having examined and re-examined the subject, 
in every way possible, and comparing the sentiments 
of both Baptists and Psedobaptists with the Scriptures, 
he was compelled, from a conviction of the truth, to 
embrace those of the former. I confined my attention 
almost entirely to the Scriptures, comparing the Old 
with the Kew Testament, and tried to find something 
to favor infant baptism, but was convinced it had no 
foundation there. I examined the covenant of circum- 
cision, and could see no reason for concluding that bap- 
tism was to be administered to children because cir- 
cumcision was. Thus, my dear parents and sisters, we 
are both confirmed Baptists, not because we wished to 
be, but because truth compelled us to be. A renunci- 
ation of our former sentiments has caused us more pain 
than any thing which ever happened to us through our 
lives." 

It was no trifling sacrifice which it was necessary 
for Mr. Judson to make if he became a Baptist. His 
brethren were exposed to many trials by the opposition 
of the Government, but they were assured of the coun- 
tenance and support of the board at home. I^ot only 
was he exposed to trouble from the same source, but 
if he followed out his convictions, his connection with 
the organization in America must necessarily be sun- 
dered. Mr. Judson, in his letter to the Third Church, 
in Plymouth, of which he had been a member, thus 
expresses his difficulties.* 



* This admirable production may be found in connection with Mr. 
Judson's sermon on Baptism. 



54 First Days in Asia. 

"Must I, then, forsake my parents, the church with- 
which I stand connected, the society under whose pat- 
ronage I have come out, the companions of my mis- 
sionary undertaking ? Must I forfeit the good opinion 
of all my friends in my native land, occasioning grief 
to some, and provoking others to anger, and be re- 
garded hencefortli, by all my former dear acquaint- 
ances, as a weak, despicable Baptist, who has not sense 
enough to comprehend the connection between the 
Abrahamic and the Christian systems ? All this was 
mortifying; it was hard to flesh and blood. But I 
thought again, it is better to be guided by the opin- 
ion of Christ, who is the Truth, than by the opinion 
of men, however good, whom I know to be in an er- 
ror. The praise of Christ is better than the praise 
of men. Let me cleave to Christ at all events, and 
prefer his favor above my chief joy." 

The resolve was taken, and, to the surprise of the 
English missionaries, they received the following letter : 

Calcutta, August 27, 1812. 
To THE Rev. Messrs. Carey, Marshi^an, and Ward. 

As you have been ignorant of the late exercises of my mind on the 
subject of Baptism, the communication which I am about to make may 
occasion you some surprise. 

It is now about four months since I took the subject into serious and 
prayerful consideration. My inquiries commenced during my passage 
from America, and, after much laborious research and painful trial, 
which I shall not now detail, have issued in entire conviction, that the 
immersion of a professing believer is the only Christian baptism. 

In these exercises I have not been alone. Mrs. Judson has been en- 
gaged in a similar examination, and has come to the same conclusion. 
Feeling, therefore, that we are in an unbaptized state, we wish to 
profess our faith in Christ by being baptized in obedience to his sacred 
commands. Adoniram Judson, Jr. 

In compliance with this request Mr. and Mrs. Jud- 
son were baptized September 6th, by the Eev. Mr. 



FiKST Days in Asia. 55 

Ward, in the chapel which three years before had been 
opened in Calcutta. Mr. Eice was baptized in the 
same place in N'ovember following. A short time 
after his baptism Mr. Judson preached the sermon on 
the subject of Baptism which has been extensively cir- 
culated in the United States. This discourse Dr. Ca- 
rey pronounced the " best" he had ever heard on the 
subject. 

Having now made a change in his sentiment and 
position, Mr. Judson felt it imperative to inform the 
secretary of the American Board. How deeply pain- 
ful he felt his lot, his communication will show. 

Calcutta, September 1, 1812. 

Rev. and dear Sir — My change of sentiments on the subject of 
baptism is considered by my missionary brethren as incompatible with 
my continuing their fellow-laborer in the mission which they contem- 
plate on the Island of Madagascar ; and it will, I presume, be consid- 
ered by the Board of Commissioners as equally incompatible with my 
continuing their missionary. The board will, undoubtedly, feel as un- 
willing to support a Baptist missionary, as I feel to comply with their 
instructions, which particularly direct us to baptize " credible believ- 
ers, with their households.'''' 

The dissolution of my connection with the Board of Commissioners, 
and a separation from my dear missionary brethren, I consider most 
distressing consequences of my late change of sentiments, and, indeed, 
the most distressing events which have ever befallen me. I have now 
the prospect before me of going alone to some distant island, uncon- 
nected with any society at present existing, from v/hieh I might be fur- 
nished with assistant laborers or pecuniary support. Whether the Bap- 
tist churches in America will compassionate my situation, I know not. 
I hope, therefore, that while my friends condemn what they deem a de- 
parture from the truth, they will at least pity me and pray for me. 

With the same sentiments of affection and respect as ever, I am, sir, 
your friend and servant, Adoniram Judson, Jr. 

Rev. Dr. Worcester, Corresponding Secretary of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Jllissiotis. 

Immediate measures appearing necessary, Mr. Jud- 
son wrote by the same mail to the Eev. Dr. Baldwin, of 



56 First Days in Asia. 

Boston, and the Kev. Dr. Bolles, of Salem, presenting 
an earnest plea to the Baptists of America to embark 
in the missionary enterprise. The first paragraph of 
his letter to the latter tells his story. '' I recollect that 
during a short interview I had with yon in Salem, I 
suggested the formation of a society among the Bap- 
tists in America for the support of foreign missions, in 
imitation of the exertions of your English brethren. 
Little did I then expect to be personally concerned in 
such an attempt." 

The desires and trials which pertained to his new 
position were thus presented : 

" Alone, in this foreign heathen land, I make my ap- 
peal to those wiiom, with their permission, I will call 
7ny Baptist brethren in the United States. 

" With the advice of the brethren at Serampore, I am 
contemj^lating a mission on one of the Eastern islands. 
They have lately sent their brother Chater to Ceylon, 
and their brother Robinson to Java. At present, Am- 
boyna seems to present the most favorable opening. 
Fifty thousand souls are there perishing without the 
means of life ; and the situation of the island is such 
that a mission there established might, with the bless- 
ing of God, be extended to the neighboring islands in 
those seas. 

^'But should I go thither, it is a most painful reflec- 
tion that 1 must go alone, and also uncertain of the 
means of support. But I will trust in God. He has 
frequently enabled me to praise his divine goodness, 
and will never forsake those who put their trust in 
him." 

Mr. Judson's change of denominational sentiments 
is one of the marked events in the history of American 
missions. ^' He who does not see," Dr. Babcock well 



First Days in Asia. 57 

remarks, " in this transition of an humble, unportioned 
young man from the ranks of one company of Christ's 
professed followers to another, with its cohering re- 
sults, something higher, nobler, worthier, and of more 
far-reaching relevancy to God's cause, than the petty 
triumph or discomfiture of a narrow-minded sectarian 
partisan on either side, has yet to open his eyes more 
widely if he would take in the divinely assigned les- 
son which is here taught of the wisdom and goodness 
of Him who worked all things after the counsel of his 
own will." In the time at which this change oc- 
curred, the hand of God is to be recognized. The 
friends of the organization which had sent Mr. Judson 
forth, did not allow his secession from their cherished 
principles to abate their growing interest in the great 
cause, and it was the kind of event needed to bring 
out the energies of a denomination of Christians, the 
forces of which had not as yet come together in earn- 
est co-operation for any undertaking worthy their 
strength and resources, though its churches included 
in their membership near two hundred thousand. The 
high regard which cotemporaneous history shows us 
was entertained for Mr. Judson in his former eccle- 
siastical connections was not without great infiuence 
on the Baptist denomination As its adherents recog- 
nized the Divine hand in leading the chief spirit in 
the missionary company to adopt their principles, 
many were prepared to give the cause of missions a 
more favorable examination, apd in the end to yield 
themselves to its furtherance with a zeal and persever- 
ance never surpassed. 

3* 



SEEKING A COUNTRY. 

"Persecuted, "but net forsaken ; cast do-wn, tut not destroyed."— 
2 Corinthians iv. 9. 

MOKE than five months were passed by Mr. Judson 
at Serampore and Calcutta, during all which time 
uncertainty and fear chiefly occupied his mind. It 
seemed impossible for him to decide where he would 
seek a field of labor, and there was little hope of any 
long reprieve from government molestation. 

The probabilities of openings in various directions 
were canvassed, and in some cases favorable appear- 
ances were discerned, but not of such a character 
that our missionary could believe it th^ Divine will for 
him to follow any of the paths they seemed to present. 
Burmah, as already shown, had long occupied his 
attention, and, though greatly discouraged, he had al- 
most resolved to go there, when the difiiculties between 
the government of that empire and the English assumed 
so warlike an aspect, that he was led to believe that he 
could not hope for safety. Japan, Persia, Java, Mad- 
agascar, Amboyna, and even South America, were af- 
terward much in his thoughts. Unable to arrive at a 
decision, he spent the greater part of his time with Mrs. 
Judson, endeavoring to realize the vastness of the 
work in which he had engaged, his dependence on God 



Seeking a Country. 69 

for success and direction, and the brevity and uncer- 
tainty of life. 

While he yet remained thus undecided, the govern- 
ment authorities came to a conclusion for him. He 
had been a considerable time in Bengal, and as, though 
frequently warned to depart, he had still remained, it 
was believed that he intended to settle in the compa- 
ny's territories. This was contrary to its councils, and 
a peremptory order was issued, by which Mr. Rice, him- 
self and wife were to be taken on board one of its 
ships and sent to England. Their names, according to 
the usual custom, were published in a newspaper as 
passengers for London. Mr. Judson saw that if this 
design was executed it would frustrate their purpose 
of missionary toil for a lengthened period, and with 
his colleague he sought to find a vessel for some other 
destination, hoping that in the event of their discov- 
ering an opportunity of immediately leaving the coun- 
try, the order of banishment would, so far as England 
was concerned, be recalled. The Creole was then 
loading for the Isle of France, whither Mr. [N'ewell was 
already gone, and as leave had originally been obtained 
for Mr. and Mrs. Judson to go there, the party applied 
for a pass that they might proceed in the vessel which 
now offered. The pass was refused. ISTevertheless, 
they sought the captain and besought him to take them 
without one. This he consented to do, and they em- 
barked at midnight. 

They had proceeded down the Hoogley for two days, 
and were felicitating themselves on their escape, when 
a government dispatch reached the pilot forbidding him 
to proceed farther. Messrs. Judson and Rice felt that 
this detention boded no good to them, and, conceiving 
that if they remained on board they might hasten an 



60 Seeking a Country. 

arrest, immediately that the vessel was brought to, they 
obtained a boat and sought refuge on shore. The next 
evening a letter was received from the owner of the 
vessel, stating that, on inquiry, he had learned that the 
Creole was detained because of a suspicion that she 
had passengers whom the captain liad been forbidden 
to take. On the receipt of this intelligence Mrs. Jud- 
son went on shore, and a council was held as to the 
course the party should adopt. It was judged best to 
see if the authorities would grant them even yet 
a pass. On this forlorn hope Mr. Rice proceeded to 
Calcutta, while Mr. and Mrs. Judson remained at a 
small tavern on the bank of the river, about a mile 
from the ship, fearing that every European whom 
they saw pass was in search of them. Mr. Rice re- 
turned the following day to report that the authori- 
ties were inexorable. All hope of proceeding in the 
Creole was now extinguished, and the party resolved 
to make their temporary abode at a tavern sixteen 
miles lower down the Hoogly, which, on account of 
its increased distance from Calcutta, promised greater 
safety. As the embargo on the Creole was removed 
and she was about to resume her course, it was neces- 
sary that the baggage be brought on shore. It being 
inexpedient for either of the gentlemen to go onboard, 
Mrs. Judson went off to request that their property 
might be allowed to remain till the vessel reached the 
point where they proposed to stay. To this the cap- 
tain assented, and tendered her the accommodation of 
his vessel for herself ; but, having to return on shore 
to give Mr. Judson cognizance of her plans, the Creole 
was on her way before she was ready to embark, and 
it was only after great inconvenience and exposure she 
succeeded in overtaking her and getting on board. 



Seeking a Country. 61 

Through the kindness of the pilot she was landed at 
the lower tavern, where she was able to make arrange- 
ments bj which their baggage was safely restored. 
Here Mr. Judson and his colleague rejoined her. 

After taking possession of their new quarters, on a 
calm consideration of their case, our subject deemed 
the execution of the purpose of the authorities so inev- 
itable, that he almost concluded to return to Calcutta. 
The bare thought of this course was, however, intoler- 
able ; and as a vessel could take them with less risk of 
discovery from the tavern, they determined still to seek 
an escape. The tavern-keeper being made aware of 
the urgent reasons which caused them to desire a pass- 
age, promised to use his influence with the captain of 
a vessel bound for Madras, who was expected down 
the river the following day. Although this would not 
take them beyond the jurisdiction of the company, 
yet it was hoped that going to Madras would facilitate 
their deliverance from its oppressions. This prospect 
sustained their sinking hopes for the three ensuing 
days. The vessel then arrived, but they were again 
disappointed. The captain declared himself unable 
to take them ! 

The day was closing, and the most gloomy forebod- 
ings occupied their minds ; and as imagination con- 
trasted their own bitter experiences with the happy 
employments of old companions and friends in their 
native land — for it was the Lord's day — they had only 
an increase of grief. But though God had thus far 
permitted them to walk in the midst of trouble, they 
were now to be revived. A letter was brought to 
Mr. Judson, as they sat at the supper table, which 
showed them that He had stretched forth His hand 
against the wrath of their enemies. It contained a 



62 Seeking a Country. 

PASS. The vessel indicated in the document was the 
Creole. Scarcely venturing to hope that she was 
yet within reach, yet thinking it barely possible that 
she had anchored at Saugor, some seventy miles below, 
they started at once. All night and the following day 
they pressed on without allowing themselves any 
thought of rest till they should know the issue of their 
pursuit. At length the masts of the vessels lying at 
anchor at Saugor were discovered. Now came mo- 
ments fraught with immeasurable importance. Each 
one was afraid to look, but the suspense was too try- 
ing for any of them to refrain, and with steady and 
prolonged gaze they sought to discover the Creole. As 
they looked they saw a vessel which seemed like her, 
but no one dared announce it was her till assured be- 
yond doubt. This assurance they soon had, and " There 
she is!" awoke a thrill of joy in their hearts such as 
they had not known in Asia. They were soon safe 
aboard. To whom they were indebted for the pass 
they never knew, and they could " only view the hand 
of God, and wonder." The fact of the vessel being 
still within reach was a not less remarkable proof of 
Divine interposition. 

The Creole sailed from Saugor the last day of 'No- 
vember. The time occupied on the voyage was dili- 
gently improved by Mr. Judson ; for it was not in his 
nature to be inactive if any thing could be done in the 
way of preparation for any field of labor to which he 
might be called. While in Calcutta it had seemed 
that he was not to be suffered to labor in Asia, and 
having thought it might be expedient to attempt a 
mission in South America he commenced the study of 
the Portuguese language. I^ow, bound for the Isle of 
France, which it was possible might afford a field of 



Seeking a Couxtry. 63 

labor, as French was most generally spoken there, he 
applied himself with all earnestness to its acquisition. 

The Creole arrived at Port Louis, after a lengthened 
and trying passage, January ITth, 1813. On the voy- 
age Mr. and Mrs. Judson had been comforted in the 
prospect of a reunion with Mr. and Mrs. Xewell. Be- 
tween the ladies there had been an intimacy of years. 
Harriet Atwood's aspirations for missionary work arose 
from Ann Hasseltine's divulging to her the purpose 
she had formed of joining Mr. Judson in going to the 
heathen world. Mr. i^ewell had also been induced to 
consider the subject of missions from Mr. Judson's in- 
terest and intentions concerning the great enterprise. 
These things conjoined with the fact that they had been 
fellow-voyagers together, caused them to entertain a 
mutual and deeply affectionate regard. The first in- 
telligence wliicli reached the newly arrived couple 
brought to them the knowledge, that to one of their 
friends they were not nearer on the Isle of France than 
in India or on the ocean. The day which was mem- 
orable to them on account of their deliverance from 
the malice of their enemies in Bengal, had witnessed 
Mrs. Xewell's escape from all toil and sorrow ; and in- 
stead of interchanging thoughts and experiences witli 
her, they had only the privilege of hearing from her 
husband the story of her calm and triumphant death, 
to visit her sepulcher, and to rejoice in the consola- 
tions which a cross, erected by superstitious hands 
over another tomb, suggested of the real character of 
her faith, and the triumph of the Eedeemer and his 
people over death and the grave. 

It was soon evident to Mr. Judson that there was 
little prospect for missionary- labor on the Isle of 
France. A project concerning Madagascar, he found. 



64 Seeking a Country. 

must also be relinquished, as there was no hope of its 
idolatrous ruler allowing missionaries in his dominions. 
He also found himself still exposed to the hostility of 
the East India Company, and though the Governor did 
not sympathize with its counsels, yet he had little reason 
to believe that its malignancy could be long avoided. 

On their arrival in the Isle of France, Mr. and Mrs. 
Judson had some relief in their trials in the presence 
of other members of the missionarj^ company. But 
of this privilege they were soon deprived ; Mr. ISTew- 
ell left them, February 2Tl:th, for Bombay, and three 
weeks after Mr. Rice took passage for America with 
the view of promoting the cause of missions in the 
denomination whose principles he had adopted. They 
were "now entirely alone." No repining, however, 
was uttered by them. Cicero might bewail, in most 
doleful terms, his compulsory absence from his friends 
and the scenes to Avhich he had been accustomed, and 
our missionaries were not perhaps naturally of " stern- 
er stuff," but they had made attainments in equanim- 
ity far beyond those of the orator. John was more 
highly favored amid the rocks of the Egean ; but we 
can scarcely believe that these humble children of 
America, in the Isle of France, for the testimony of 
Jesus Christ, v/ere behind the apostle in patience 
and fortitude. The chastenino^ of the Lord was p-riev- 
ous to them, but they were able to regard it as an 
appointed instrumentality to fit them for their future 
engagements. Mrs. Judson, doubtless, expressed the 
mind of both on this subject when she exclaimed — 
** Oh, if our trials may be then sanctified, we will re- 
joice ; nor in all thy chastisements, O blessed Jesus, 
will we wish to have the rod removed, until thou hast 
effectually subdued us to thvself " 



Seeking a Country. 65 

While he remained in the Isle of France, though 
Mr. Judson was diligent in his endeavors to do good 
among the English soldiers and others, he was yet 
anxiously looking for an opening which should present 
to him a wider field of usefulness. In May he re- 
solved to attempt a mission at Penang, or Prince of 
Wales Island, which had been indicated for missionary 
operations in the first appointment of the American 
Board ; and hoping that he might attain his object by 
way of Madras, he secured a passage for himself and 
Mrs. Judson to that port. He arrived there in June, 
and was kindly received by the Rev. Mr. Loveless, a 
missionary of the London Society, who, being from 
England, was allowed a scanty toleration. Mr. Judson 
found fresh cause of disquietude in that city. Messrs. 
Johns and Lawson, who had left England for India in 
1811, with the consent of the Board of Directors of 
the East India Company, to join the Baptists' mis- 
sions, but had traveled by way of America, had been 
required, on the flimsy pretext of not having come 
direct, to return to England. Mr. Lawson was re- 
quired to sign an engagement to return, and hesita- 
ting to do this had been committed to prison ; from 
this, however, he had been relieved on the represent- 
ation of Dr. Marshman ; and as his services were es- 
sential in the printing operations, the Governor-gen- 
eral had finally consented to his remaining. 'No such 
plea could be made for Mr. Johns, and he was com- 
pelled to go on board ship and return to England. 
With this manifestation of opposition to individuals 
for simply coming to British India hy way of America, 
it was evident that one /V'C'm America could not hope 
for the least courtesy. Of this there was full proof 
in the treatment of Messrs. Hall and iNott at Bom- 



66 Seeking a Country. 

bay. It was certain that as soon as an order could 
be obtained from Calcutta, that Mr. Judson, having 
been before a source of annoyance, would be arrested 
and sent to England, and his only safety was, to escape 
before such authority could be obtained. All thouglit 
of Penang was abandoned. An escape from British 
India was the great desire. "It may easily be con- 
ceived," he remarks, " with what feelings I inquired 
the destination of vessels in the Madras roads. I found 
none that would sail in season but one bound to Ran- 
goon." Though Burmah had once been to his view the 
most favorable field in the world, yet with the further 
knowledge obtained in India, his mind concerning it 
was so changed that he had become " accustomed to 
regard it with feelings of horror." But Divine Prov- 
idence was now to fulfill its purpose. The preparatory 
discipline for a voyage to that dark land had been en- 
dured, and thither, however at present unwilling, he 
was to go. "It was now," he says, "brought to a 
point : we must either venture there or be sent to Eu- 
rope. All other paths were shut up ; and thus situa- 
ted, though dissuaded by all our friends at Madras, 
we commended ourselves to the care of God, and em- 
barked the 22d of June." 

Scarcely ever did adventurers leave a port under 
more unfavorable circumstances, or prosecute a voyage 
in greater peril or fear. It was a crazy old vessel, 
without any proper accommodations for passengers. 
The captain was the only person who could speak En- 
glish, and the supplies were very scanty and inferior. 

Added to these inconveniences, "Mrs. Judson was 
taken dangerously ill, and continued so until, at one 
period," Mr. Judson says, " I came to experience the 
awful sensation which necessarily resulted from the 



Seeking a Couxtey. 67 

expectation of an immediate separation from my be- 
loved wife, tlie only remaining companion of my 
wanderings." 

From a review of events, Mr, Judson assuredly gath- 
ered that the Lord called him to preach the Gospel to 
t]ie Burmese, but, on his voyage, his faith was to be 
tried by learning that even yet disasters might hinder 
him in tlie way. It had been the intention of the cap- 
tain to take in a caro-o of cocoa-nuts at the Nicobar 
Islands ; but in attempting to make them, the vessel 
was driven into a dangerous strait, between the Little 
and Great Andamans, two savage coasts where the 
captain had never been before. In the perils of this 
dangerous passage, with rocks frowning below, and 
with reports of cannibals on the shore, Mr. Judson 
was made to fear that shipwreck and a horrible death 
might thwart his cherished purpose. These evils he 
was mercifully permitted to escape. 

It has been said of the royal psalmist that there was 
a "holy skill" in his gratitude. "Nothing came 
amiss to it, but like the fire which transmutes rotten 
wood and dingy coal to light and flame, the fire of 
David's devotion turned his hardships into blessings 
and his sorrows into songs of thanksgiving." In these 
qualities Mr. Judson bore no small resemblance to the 
son of Jesse, and so, after his experience in " Duncan's 
passage" of perils in the water, and prospective perils 
on the land, he writes : " As one evil is sometimes an 
antidote to another, so it happened with us. Our be- 
ing driven into this dangerous but quiet channel brought 
immediate relief to the agitated and exhausted frame 
of Mrs. Judson, and conduced essentially to her re- 
covery. And in the event, we were safely conducted 
over the black rocks which we sometimes saw in the 



68 Seeking a Countky. 



gulf below, and on the eastern side of the islands 
found favorable winds, which gently wafted us forward 
to Rangoon." 

The Georgiana came to anchor in Kangoon harbor 
July 13th, 1813. So God brought them to their de- 
sired haven. 

JSTot more mysterious and startling were the events 
by which God directed the way of Paul to the chief 
city of the Caesars, than those by which He conducted 
Mr. Judson to the Burman Empire. The Apostle to 
the Gentiles was assured that he should see Rome, but 
in the successive circumstances which preceded his 
arrival there, exposed to assassins, falsely accused, 
imprisoned, shipwrecked, it seemed improbable to the 
eye of man that his hope could be realized. While a 
student at Andover, Adoniram Judson was much oc- 
cupied with thoughts of Burmah as a field of mission- 
ary toil. When he was ordained, and till he arrived 
in India, it was the country to which his attention was 
chiefly directed. Subsequently he believed it his duty 
to waive his predilections, and seek an opening in 
some other direction, and the mission on which his 
heart had been set was dismissed from his mind as 
impracticable and inexpedient ! As we mark the sta- 
ges of his career after this time, we can scarcely be- 
lieve that he is to see that country. When we find 
him under police surveillance, and his name advertised 
by government as a passenger for England, as we 
behold him banished to the Isle of France, or seeking 
a passage to Penang, we can scarcely believe it pos- 
sible that he is the chosen vessel to bear the name of 
the Lord before the Gentiles of the golden empire. 
But the ways of God are in the sea, and his path in 
the great waters, and his footsteps are not known, and 



Seeking a Country. 69 

so when Mr. Judson sought to accomplish what seemed 
to him a last project for missionary labor in the East, 
his course was mysteriously directed to Burmah, and 
the same asencv which contributed to work out the 
purposes of God when Paul was to see Rome, helped 
their fulfillment with the Apostle to the Burmese. As 
the wrath of man compelled the former to enter into a 
ship of Adramy ttium, so it forced the latter on board 
the Georgiana at Madras. Happily, though in immi- 
nent peril of shipwreck, God allowed his servant to 
reach his destination without the same experience of 
the power of the winds and waves which Paul was 
made to know. 

In the very year in which Mr. Judson went to Pan- 
goon, chiefly through the influence and advocacy of 
"William Wilberforce, in parliament, and of two dis- 
tinguished Baptist ministers, Andrew Fuller and Rob- 
ert Hall — the one on the platform and by interviews 
with leading statesmen, the other through the press — 
the power of the East India Company to persecute 
was abridged. In the renewed charter of that year, 
clauses were inserted favorable to "persons desirous 
of going to India for the purpose of promoting the re- 
ligious and moral improvement of the natives." It is 
probable, had Mr. Judson arrived in India after this 
time, that with the unfavorable accounts of Burmah, 
and an open door in the company's territory, he would 
have sought, like the other American brethren, to es- 
tablish himself there. But the Lord determined the time 
in which he should go to the East, and the boands of 
his habitation. '• O the depths of the riches both of 
the wisdom and knowledo^e of God ! How unsearchable 
are his judgments, and his ways past finding out !" 




BURMAN ZAYAT. 



^ttx s>ut 



THE APPOINTED FIELD. 

"Yea, so have I strived to preaclithe gospel, not where Christ was 
named, lest I should huild upon another man's foundation." — Ro- 
mans XV. 20. 

Fr directing the way of our missionary and his wife 
to Burmah. the Lord gave them to see the fulfillment 
of " their earliest wishes, that they might bear the light 
of truth to the most deeply necessitous, and raise the 
standard of the Cross in some chief city of Oriental 
heathenism." 

Like all who had preceded him, Mr. Judson sought 
to establish himself in Rangoon.* This place is situ- 
ated on the eastern branch of the Irrawaddy, about 
twenty-six miles from the sea. As it is accessible for 



* " Rangoon is written in the Burman language Ran-kong, and pro- 
nounced Yan-gong, which is a compound epithet meaning ' peace ef- 
fected.' This name was given to it by Alompra, who made it the capi- 
tal of Pegu." — Crawfurd. 



The Appointed Field. 71 

ships of large burden, and has an uninterrupted com- 
munication with the upper provinces at all seasons, 
it had long been the chief port of the empire. It had, 
therefore, a large resident population, while it was 
known that on account of its foreign commerce, and, 
in addition to this, the presence of the Shway Dagon 
pagoda, it was a place of great resort for the people 
from all parts. The attractions which it presented to 
them for the purposes of trade and religion, combined 
with the opportunity it afforded of communication 
with Bengal and America, and, if necessary, facilities 
for escape in case a missionary should be menaced 
with persecution, made it superior as a seat of evan- 
gelistic operations to any which the empire presented. 
Mr. Judson's first impressions of Kangoon itself 
were unfavorable, and caused him to repine at the 
Providence which had directed his way thither. This 
unworthy feeling, however, was promptly subdued ; 
but from all the accounts which we have of the town at 
that period, and even to the present, it is not wonder- 
ful that to one who had been accustomed to J^ew En- 
gland towns, and who had visited two of the chief cities 
of British India, which, though given to idolatry, 
were so far superior to Rangoon, the contrast was ap- 
palling. Though called the " golden gate," to the eyes 
of those who have enjoyed a more advanced civilization, 
this designation seems to have had as little propriety 
as the classic names which modern vandalism often- 
times degrades by its unworthy appropriations. Tlie 
Asiatic Jmcrnal published the following lines as a de- 
scriptive sketch in 1826, thirteen years after Mr. Judson 
took up his abode there. 

" A mere clump of rude hovels, supported on piles. 
Covered in with long grass or occasional tiles ; 



The Appointed Field. 



A stout timber wall, fifteen or twenty feet high, 

Shuts out every thing, saving the wind and the sky, 

And incloses a spot in circumference wide 

As most other stockades in the kingdom beside. 

Round about, sheds and hovels like mushrooms extend, 

Springing up day by day, multiplying without end. 

And all based in morass, bog, and quagmire so deep, 

To fall in it were fatal, for there you would sleep. 

Timber paths upon piles traverse hamlets around, 

And though ticklish certainly, yet they abound. 

Then for reptiles and creatures of harmless intent, 

Such as snakes, toads, and scorpions that Heaven has sent, 

Lizards, spiders, and rats, and all fancy would call 

Vile and odious, why, these, they abound, one and all, 

And what some might consider a source of regret, 

Is the first of advantages spoken of yet ; 

I mean Heaven's abundant supply to the air 

Of humidity, fertile, prolific, and rare. 

When the hot sun has sheltered from mortals his rays. 

Fall salubrious night dews to finish the days ; 

'Tis the same with our Indian clime in degree. 

But the blessing is here conferred doubly as free, 

Not a moderate heat of some eighty and eight, 

But a hundred and three is the iiverage rate." 

Three years after his arrival, Mr. Judson spoke of it 
as a " most wretched place." Surely no one, with the 
above description, will think that our missionary mag- 
nified the infelicities of his situation. 

Whatever the unpleasantness of its external aspects, 
in the state of the people he found that which deeply 
moved his sympathies. Rangoon presented a wide 
field for missionary exertion. It was a place where 
Christ was not named. The subject of this biography 
could not " build upon another man's foundation." 
European missionaries it is true had taken up their 
residence there some years before ; but wdth the ex- 
ception of a few pages of translation, a mission house 
which afforded himself and wife an abode was al- 



The Appointed Field. 73 

most the only evidence to be found of previous at- 
tempts to make known the Gospeh 'No conversions 
had occurred in connection with the efforts of his pre- 
decessors, and so indifferent had the people been to the 
truth they desired to make known, that their errand of 
love was as sunlight to the blind. 

The principal evangelical effort made prior to the en- 
trance of the American missionary was by agents of 
the Baptist Missionary Society of Great Britain. As 
the East India Company compelled Mr. Judson to flee 
to Rangoon, so to its intolerance may likewise be traced 
the first movement made with a view to the evangeli- 
zation of Burmah. In 1806, two missionaries, one of 
whom was Mr. Chater, arrived at Calcutta, intending 
to join the mission at Serampore. To this the govern- 
ment made opposition, and, according to its custom, 
commanded them to return to Europe, and also 
gave orders that the vessel in which they had come 
b^hould have no clearance unless the captain took them 
back. Subsequently the ship was allowed to depart 
without them; but as the government still manifested 
dissatisfaction at their continuance at Serampore, it 
was thought advisable to adopt measures by which 
they should go, for a time at least, out of the compa- 
ny's territories. "With this view Mr. Chater, and with 
him Mr. Mardon, who had been some years in India, 
were appointed by the brethren to proceed to Bur- 
mah, to ascertain the practicability of establishing a 
mission in that country. They accordingly embarked 
from Calcutta in January 1807, and arrived at Ran- 
goon on the tenth of the following month. 

After prosecuting their inquiries for about three 
months, they returned to Serampore. In July, in 
consequence of their reports concerning the country, 

4: 



74 The Appointed Field. 

it was proposed that an attempt be made to found 
a mission, and they were invited to undertake the 
work. Mr. Mardon, on account of the state of his 
health, declined, but Mr. Chater expressed his wil- 
lingness, and he and Mr. Felix Carey, who subse- 
quently offered himself as his colleague, after a sol- 
emn charge from Dr. Carey, were dismissed from the 
church at Serampore, for the purpose of forming a 
church at Rangoon. The missionary brethren at Ser- 
ampore thus wrote concerning this effort : " It is in the 
faith of His promise who hath never despised the day 
of small things, and who is able to make a little one 
become a thousand, that this little society has been or- 
ganized. To His protection we commit the tender 
plant, praying that, in the Burman dominions, it may 
be as a handful of corn upon the top of the mountains, 
the fruit whereof shall shake like Lebanon." The de- 
sires of the brethren were not, however, to be realized 
by the missionaries whom they sent. Mr. Chater was 
-diligent in the acquisition of the language, and made 
some attempts at translation ; but on account of the 
incessant disturbances of the country, combined with 
the ill health of his wife, he relinquished his position 
at Rangoon in 1811, and removed to Ceylon. Subse- 
quently Mr. Kerr was sent from Calcutta, but after a 
short time he left for Allahabad. When Mr. Judson 
arrived in Burmah, Mr. Carey was still there. He 
had, however, been summoned to Ava by the king, and 
for some time had engaged but little in missionary work. 
With the exception of two missionaries from the Lon- 
don Missionary Society, one of whom, Mr. Brain, was 
called from earth soon after his arrival, and the other 
removed to Vizgapatain, we have no information of 
any other attempts to introduce the Gospel to the Bur- 



The Appointed Field. 75 

man Empire. It can scarcely be said that any mis- 
sionary who went to Burmah prior to 1813, if we except 
Mr. Carey, remained long enough to obtain a sufficient 
acquaintance with the language for usefulness. 

Many persons would have inferred from the history 
of previous efforts to introduce the Gospel that the time 
for Burmah's evangelization was not yet come. Mr. 
Judson, however, had been directed to that empire in 
so wonderful a manner, that he was constrained to be- 
lieve that it was the Lord's will that another attempt 
be made. The correctness of his opinion, after events 
demonstrated. As his disinterested toils were directed 
to the benefit of the Burmese for nearly forty years, it 
may be well for us to devote a few pages to the his- 
tory, customs, manners, and religion of the people to 
whom he was so manifestly sent.* 

The situation of the Burman Empire is made suffi- 
ciently plain to the reader by the map accompanying 
this volume. "When the subject of these records com- 
menced his acquaintance with its people, it " covered 
a space between the ninth and twenty-sixth degrees of 
north latitude, and between the ninety-second and one 
hundred and second of east longitude, being about one 
thousand and fifty geographical miles in length, and 
six hundred in breadth. "f After the war of 1825 and 
1826, the boundaries of the territory subject to the Bur- 
man monarch were greatly circumscribed. By the 
treaty of peace the reigniug sovereign renounced his 
claim to dominion over Assam, Cachar, and Jyntea ; 

# Full and interesting particulars concerning the climate, rivers, 
soil, productions, etc., of Burmah, are given in Dr. Malcolm's " Travels 
in Asia," and to this work, those who desire further information, the 
writer, from a regard to brevity, is compelled to refer them. 

t Knowles' " Memoir of Ann H. Judson." 



76 The Appointed Field. 

declared Munzipore an independent kingdom ; ac- 
knowledged the mountains of Arracan as the boundary 
between his territory and the company's, and yielded 
the whole of Tenasserim to the British. Another large 
portion has been annexed to the English possessions 
since Mr. Judson's decease, so that the province of 
Pegu is no longer subject to the emperor. The new 
boundary line, according to a recent English map, 
crosses the Irrawaddy a short distance north of the city 
of Prome, and after proceeding a considerable distance 
to the northeast, takes a southeasterly direction, till it 
strikes the Salwen river, the previous northern boun- 
darj^ of the territory under British rule. At the pres- 
ent time the dominions of the Burman monarch no 
where reach the sea-coast. The continuance of peace is 
considered improbable. It is likely that Burman faith- 
lessness will compel the British to absorb the remain- 
ing territory, and thus cause the dynast}^ to be sub- 
verted. 

The Burman Empire, at the time Mr. Judson en- 
tered it, has been described as a " heterogeneous aggre- 
gate of provinces and kingdoms, held together by no 
common tie but that of conquest." The Peguans oc- 
cupied a like position under the Burman yoke to that 
of the Irish with respect to the English under Henry 
the Eighth. They were forbidden to use their own lan- 
guage, and every appliance which barbarity could in- 
vent to crush the remembrance and love of nationality 
was unsparingly employed. The Karens had never 
mingled with the Burmese, and the name they bear, 
which signifies " wild men," is an index of the contempt 
in which they were held by their oppressors. In fact, 
all the tribes which had been subjugated to the Bur- 
mans regarded them in the light of merciless enemies. 



The Appointed Field. 77 

The population of the Burman Empire at the time 
missions were commenced, was generally reckoned at 
17,000,000 ; but subsequent investigation has reduced 
the estimate to about 8,000,000. A large portion of 
the people is to be found in the territory which former- 
ly constituted the southern provinces of the empire, 
now in possession of the British. 

Like all other nations, and especially those of the 
East, the Burmans attach great value to antiquity, and 
claim high regard on this account. In the records 
which are considered to present their history, there is 
some difficulty in separating the fabulous from the true, 
but some of these bear evidence of truthfulness. A 
chronological table which Mr. Judson translated, gives 
a list of kings extending from 691 b. c. to a. d. 1822. 
" The strongest internal mark of authenticity in Bur- 
man chronology is the average shortness of the reigns. 
From the year 201 b. c, to the accession of the new 
king in 1819, a period of two thousand one hundred 
and twenty years, the number of sovereigns is one hun- 
dred and twenty-three ; and therefore the length of 
each reign is only between sixteen and seventeen years, 
or from three to four years less than the computed aver- 
age for European monarchies. This is what might be 
expected among a rude people subject to commotions, 
rebellions, usurpations, and foreign invasion."^ 

The most remarkable revolutions of modern times 
took place about the middle of the seventeenth century. 
In the year 1740 the Peguans revolted from the Bur- 
mese, and after a struggle of some years succeeded in 
asserting their supremacy. But in 1752 their power 
was brought to naught by Alompra, a Burman of mean 

* Crawfurd's Embassy to the Court of Ava. 



78 The Appointed Field. 

birth, who gained the kingdom for himself. From that 
time the Burmese have had the predominance. 

The government of Burmah is despotic. The king 
is the lord of life and property in his dominions. There 
is no act of barbarity which it may please him to com- 
mand which it is prudent to question or resist. His 
immediate court officers and advisers are regarded as 
slaves. All to whom office is given exercise it in the 
same spirit; and as public functionaries for various 
purposes are very numerous, and are dependent for 
support on fees, exactions, and bribes, the people are 
held in constant alarm. Among the soldiery the same 
rule obtains. The most respectable part of the stand- 
ing army, if such it may be called, consists of the ma- 
rines who man the war-boats : and these, a late writer 
says, " live chiefly by rapine, and are in a constant 
state of hostility against the rest of the people, which 
makes them audacious and prompt to execute any 
orders, however cruel or violent." 

In appearance the Burmese are described as short 
and stout, but on the whole well-proportioned, and, for 
an Asiatic people, remarkable for activity. In com- 
plexion they are commonly brown, and when this as- 
sumes a yellowish tinge, its subject is considered the 
perfection of beauty. The hair of the head is com- 
monly black, coarse, lank, and abundant. 

In civilization the people are considered inferior to 
the Hindoos, and scarcely as industriously disposed. 
Education, though of course limited, is very common, 
being the chief object to which the priests direct their 
attention. Mr. Judson, after a long experience, gave 
the following account of the training of a native school. 
" Scholars are considered capable of reading and writ- 
ing when able to repeat and copy the ' Theu-pong-kyi,' 



The Appointed Field. ^5^9 

or spelling book, and the ' Meu-ga-la-thok,' or moral 
lessons. Their arithmetical knowledge is almost con- 
fined to the multiplication table. A few who aspire to 
the character of ' learned,' advance from the elements 
of knowledge to the study of ' Baden,' or astrology, 
and that of the Pali language. This last is studied in 
the ' Thaddu-kyau,' or grammar in eight divisions, and 
in various parts of Boodhist scriptures. The ne plus 
ultra in Burman education is the study of the ' These- 
gyo,' or book of metaphysics." 

The Burmans do not equal some other nations of 
the East in arts ; yet their productions and workman- 
ship are often very creditable. This may be said of their 
jewelry and brass manufacture. "In casting bells," 
Dr. Malcolm says, " Burmah transcends all the rest of 
India. They are disproportionably thick, but of de- 
lightful tone. The raised inscriptions and figures are 
as beautiful as on any bells I have ever seen." "In 
gilding," the same authority says, " they certainly ex- 
cel ; putting on the leaf with great precision, and mak- 
ing it resist dampness. This gilding endures not only 
in the house and on the pagodas, but even on the com- 
monest mortar." 

The morals of the Burmese are superior to those of 
any nation in the East. Polygamy, though lawful, 
does not prevail to any extent. Divorces, however, 
are very common, and the habits of profligacy of the 
Burmese would doubtless prove intolerable in the 
United States and England, though there is much dif- 
ference of opinion as to the extent of licentiousness. 
Women are held under no such slavery as among the 
Hindoos. " Their intercourse is open and unrestricted, 
not only with their countrymen, but with foreigners. 
The universal custom is to give them the custody of 



80 The Appointed Field. 

their husband's cash ; and by them is done the chief 
part of all buying and selling, both in shops and in the 
bazaar. They clean rice, bring water, weave and cook ; 
occasionally assisting in the management of a boat or 
the labors of the field. But hard work of all kinds, the 
universal custom assigns to men. They are by no 
means denied education, nor is any impediment placed 
in the way of their attaining it ; but the monastic char- 
acter of the schools prevents admission there. Private 
schools for girls are not uncommon in large places. 
Females of the higher classes do not condemn industry, 
and aflPect the languid listlessness of some Orientals."* 
Inquiries concerning the female branches of a family, 
which would be an insult in most Eastern nations, are 
perfectly proper in Burmah. 

Many of the vices which are prevalent in more civ- 
ilized lands are greatly followed by the Burmese. 
Gambling, for instance, is exceedingly common. ISTev- 
ertheless, one vice which is lamentably frequent in 
this country, that of drunkenness, is seldom known 
among the natives of Burmah. The manufacture and 
importation of intoxicating liquors is forbidden, and 
Dr. Malcolm says: "I have seen thousands together 
for hours, on public occasions, rejoicing in all ardor, 
without observing an act of violence or a case of in- 
toxication." The most general characteristic of evil 
in the Burmese is their lying. A quotation from 
conversation which Mr. Judson gave to the English 
commissioner, in his deposition after the war, pre- 
sents this very strongly. " These Kulas,t although thev 



* Malcolm. 

t Kula, as defined by Mr. Judson, in its original meaning was, men 
having caste, or Hindoos ; but now it is extended to all the nations 



The Appointed Field. 81 

drink spirits and slaj cattle, and are ambitious and 
rapacious, have a regard for truth and their word 
which is quite extraordinary ; whereas in us Burmese 
there is no truth." Deceit and craft are thoroughly 
woven into the national character. Of course there fol- 
lows from these a long train of delinquency and crime. 

ISTo people could be more hospitable to strangers 
than the Burmese, but in war none know less mercy. 
" You see us here," said some of the chiefs, previous 
to the war of 1825, "a mild people, living under reg- 
ular laws. Such is not the case when we invade for- 
eign countries. We are then under no restraints — we 
give way to all our passions — we plunder and murder 
without compunction or control." 

The despotic and unprincipled character of the gov- 
ernment has done much to prevent the cultivation by 
the Burmese of their nobler instincts. '' There is, per- 
haps, no country in the world in which the sway of 
despotism has been less controlled by any correct feel- 
ing or sentiment, or which exhibits a stronger specimen 
of its injurious effects upon the physical and moral 
powers of mankind, than the Burmese dominions. . . . 
The petty acts of tyranny practiced by the subordinate 
civil officers are a terror to the public, and create be- 
tween man and man that jealousy and suspicion which 
destroys confidence and annihilates the best feelings 
of humanity.""^ Yet the authority from whom we 
quote adds, " that, could their public character be 
formed in a diflferent mold from that in which their 
system of government has cast it, they would be by no 



lying west of Ava, who are divided by the Burmans into black and 
white Kulas. 

* The Eev. G. H. Hough, in " Friend of India." 
4* 



82 The Appointed Field. 

means destitute of those elementary principles which 
combine to form the happiness of civilized society." 

The Burmans, like all other nations, have some pe- 
culiarities. Among these is to be noted their strong 
prejudice against persons who are the subjects of nat- 
ural deformities, or even accidental mutilations. The 
loss of sight or dumbness procures disrespect, and con- 
sequently greatly injures a man's social position. The 
loss of any limb, even in action, and when defending 
the rights of his sovereign or country, deprives a 
Burman of the right of entering the palace inclosure, 
and is attended with the inevitable consequence of the 
loss of court favor and preferment."* As a result of 
this prejudice, the Burmese prisoners taken by the 
British in 1825, Mr. Crawfurd says, "refused to suffer 
amputation, or tore off the bandages and bled to death 
after it was performed. One young man who had 
submitted to the operation, mistook the nature of it 
altogether, and conceiving that this was our peculiar 
mode of treating prisoners of war, with the passive 
courage and disregard of life so frequent with the 
people of the East, presented the sound leg for ampu- 
tation." 

As Boodhism forbids the taking of life, the slaying 
of animals for food is considered sinful ; but " although 
the law forbids the taking of life, no one scruples," 
Dr. Malcolm remarks, "to eat what is already dead; 
and there are always sinners enough to keep the sanc- 
timonious supplied with animal food." These latter 
characters are so fearful lest they should unwarily de- 
prive an insect of existence, that they carefully sweep 
their seats before sitting down. This fact caused a 

* Crawfurd. 



The Appointed Field. 



flippant writer to remark, tliat a microscope would be 
sufficient to convert them. 

The Boodhist religion is the national faith of the 
Burmans. This superstition has prevailed for many 
centuries. It is supposed to have had its original 
strono-hold in Hindostan, and from thence to have 
spread over a large portion of the Eastern world, so 
that it now includes among its votaries not less than 
one third of the human race. 

"The following sketch of Burmese cosmography," 
says Mr. Crawfurd, " drawn from the writings or con- 
versation of the Burmese chroniclers, was furnished to 
me by Mr. Judson, and I may safely add that its accu- 
racy may be depended upon : 

" A life period, called A-yen-kat, is a revolution of 
time, during which the life of man gradually advances 
from ten years to an A-then-kye, and returns again to 
ten. Sixty-four life periods make one intermediate 
period (An-ta-ra-kat) ; sixty-four intermediate periods 
make one quarterly period, which may be so termed 
because four such periods make one grand period 
(Ma-ha-kat), a complete revolution of nature. The 
revolutions of nature, as marked by the various periods, 
are eternal or infinite. Some grand periods are dis- 
tinguished by the development of an extraordinary 
being called a Boodh,"^ who, though born of earthly 
parents, attains to the summit of omniscience.f The 



* Mr. Judson was accustomed to spell the names " Boodh," and 
^' Gaudama," and in order to conform to Ms usage, we have deviated 
from the spelling of Mr. Crawfurd in this article. In his work, accord- 
ing to a very general custom, "Buddha," "Buddhism," and «« Gauta- 
ma" are adopted. 

t " Omniscience" is, according to Boodhists, the principal attribute 
of Gaudama. 



84 The Appointed Field. 

present grand period has been favored by four of these 
personages, whose names are Kan-kri-than, Gau-na- 
gong, Ka-tha-pa, and Gan-da-ma. The fifth, Boodh, or 
A-ri-mi-te-ya, is now reposing, according to the best 
authorities, in one of the lower celestial regions, and 
will develop himself in due time. 

" The commnnications of all Boodhs previously to 
Gau-da-ma are now lost. His communications, made 
at first to his immediate disciples, and by them retained 
in memory during five centuries moi^e, after his decease 
agreed . upon in several successive general councils 
(Then-ga-ya-na), and finally reduced to writing on palm 
leaves, in the Island of Ceylon, in the ninety- fourth 
year before Christ, and the four hundred and fiftieth 
after Gau-da-ma, form the present Boodhist scriptures, 
the only rule of faith and practice. They are com- 
prised in three grand divisions (Pe-ta-kat), which are 
again subdivided into fifteen, and those into six hundred. 

"According to the Boodhist scriptures, the universe 
is composed of an infinite number of worlds, or Sakya 
systems. A Sakya system consists of one central 
My en-mo, or mount, the surrounding seas and islands, 
the celestial regions, including the revolving lumina- 
ries, and the infernal regions. The earth on which we 
live is the southernmost of the fom- grand islands which 
surround the mount, each of which is again surrounded 
by four hundred of smaller size. 

"The celestial regions consist of six inferior and 
twenty superior heavens. Of the six inferior heavens, 
the first occupies the middle, and the second the sum- 
mit of the Myen-mo mount. The remaining arise 
above each other in regular gradation. The same re- 
mark applies to the superior heavens, which are again 
distinguished into the sixteen visible and four invisible. 



The Appointed Field. 85 

The inferior regions consist of eight hills, one above 
another, each being surrounded by sixteen smaller 
hills. 

" The universe is replete with an infinity of souls, 
which have been transmigrating in different bodies 
from all eternity, ascent or descent in the scale of ex- 
istence being at every change of state ascertained by 
the immutable ' mysterious laws of fate,' according 
to the merit or demerit of the individual. 'No being 
is exempt from sickness, old age, and death. Insta- 
bility, pain, and change are the three grand character- 
istics of all existence. 

" ' However highly exalted in the celestial regions, 
and whatever number of ages of happiness may roll 
on,' say the Burmans, ' the fatal symptom of a moist- 
ure nnder the armpits will at length display itself.' 
The mortal being, when this presents itself, must be 
prepared to exchange the blandishments and dalliance 
of celestial beauties, for the gridirons, pitchforks, mal- 
lets, and other instruments of torture of the infernal 
regions. The chief end of man, according to the Bur- 
mese, is to terminate the fatiguing course of transmi- 
grator}^ existence. This attainment Lord Gaudama 
made in the eightieth year of his life, and all his imme- 
diate disciples have participated in the same happy 
fate. What remains to the present race of beings is, 
to aim at passing their time in the regions of men and 
gods, until they shall come in contact with the next 
Boodh, the Lord Arimiteya, whom they may hope to 
accompany to the golden world of nigban, or annihi- 
lation. In order to this, it is necessary to keep the 
commands of the last Boodh ; to worship the Boodh, 
his law, and his priests ; to refrain from taking life, 
from stealing, from adultery, from falsehood, and from 



86 The Appointed Field. 



drinking intoxicating liquors; to regard the images 
and temples of the Boodh the same as himself; to per- 
form acts of worship, and listen to the instructions of 
religion on the days of the new moon, the full moon, 
and the quarters ; to make offerings for the support 
of the priests ; to assist at funerals, and, in general, to 
perform all charitable and religious duties. 

"In the year 930 after Gaudama, A. D. 386, Boodh- 
agautha transcribed the Boodhist scriptures with an 
iron pen of celestial workmanship, and brought them 
by sea to Pugan, the seat of supreme government. 
The time and manner in which the religion of Gaudama 
was introduced into the country are not sufficiently 
ascertained. It subsequently underwent some modi- 
fication, and was finally established in its present form 
by King Anan-ra-tha-men-sau, who began to reign in 
Pugan in the 1541st year after Gaudama, the 359th 
of the present vulgar era, and A. D. 997." 

The priests of Boodh are required to observe a rigid 
celibac}", but they may relinquish the priesthood when 
so disposed. They seldom attend to the celebration 
of any particular service for the people. Some of them 
occasionally preach, but their chief manner of promo- 
ting the supposed good of the people is by their exam- 
ple of compliance with the requirements of their sacred 
books, ard in the instruction of the young. Their pre- 
scribed dress is a robe of yellow cloth, which extends 
to the feet, and thus attired, if strictly observant of the 
rules laid down, they may be seen with shaven and 
bared head, which only a fan protects from the sun, 
and without sandals, daily perambulating the streets, 
carrying their rice pots, expecting, but not asking, the 
charity of the people. They take whatever food any 
are divsposed to give, but money they are prohibited 



The Appointed Field. 87 

from receiving. They are a numerous class, but have 
not the influence which is frequently exercised by the 
religious functionaries of heathen countries. 

The pagodas are the frequent scenes of worship. 
These erections are generally solid, with the exception 
of a small cavity within, at, or near the foundation, 
which affords room for treasure, and supposed relics of 
Gaudama. The images of the divinity are, of course, 
attached to these structures. These monumental piles 
are frequently lofty and imposing, and as they greatly 
abound, are marked features of a Burman landscape. 
They are mostly built by individuals as acts of merit. 
Zayats are also frequently devoted to worship, but 
they are not regarded as exclusively religious build- 
ings. In most cases they are only intended to afford 
shelter for worshipers. 

Images of Gaudama are made of varying size, and 
.so great is the demand for them, that marble, of which 
they are principally manufactured, is not allowed to be 
used for other purposes, in the dominions of the Bur- 
man monarch. In the worship of the people there is 
no united celebration. Heathenism is as isolated in 
its worship as its subjects are selfish in character. At 
the principal pagodas worshipers may generally be 
found every morning; and on the appointed days, which 
occur four times in every moon, larger numbers attend. 
In worship, as described by Dr. Malcolm, every one 
brings a present, often a bunch of flowers, or only a 
few green twigs plucked on the way; but generally 
the nicest eatables ready cooked, beautiful bunches of 
flowers, articles of raiment, etc. The worshiper gen- 
erally kneels behind his gift, and with uplifted hands 
recites his devotions, often with a string of beads, count- 
ing over each repetition. The prayers are commonly 



88 The Appointed Field. 

brief. Frequently the worship is comprised in a prot- 
estation of a purpose to comply with the five leading 
commands of the Boodhist religion. 

As a code of morals no religion of man surpasses 
Boodhism. ''The Boodhist is forbidden to take the 
life of the meanest creature ; he is prohibited intem- 
perance, incontinence, dishonesty, and falsehood — all 
vices that are too common in the East ; while the 
smaller failings of anger, pride, covetousness, hypoc- 
risy, etc., are not forgotten. On the other hand, he is 
encouraged to the practice of all virtues, the forgive- 
ness of injuries, charity, respect to age and character, 
contentment, gratitude, moderation in all things, pa- 
tience, cheerfulness — all these he is taught to follow 
as the ultimatum of his desires." But while this may 
be said in its favor, some of its tenets tend to repress 
the better feelings of humanity. A stern believer in 
the transmigration of souls, the Boodhist regards ev- 
ery physical evil as an affliction deserved either by 
the sufferer or his ancestors, and consequently gives 
him little sympathy. It is to this that the prejudice 
Burmans have against persons who are the subjects 
of physical defects is ascribable. As a result of Boodh- 
ism, likewise, an act of kindness awakens no gratitude ; 
for he who receives a benefit believes that the selfish de- 
sire of obtaining merit was the cause of its bestowment, 
and that the giver is under obligation to him for afi"ord- 
ing him an opportunity to do himself so good a service. 

'No better view of Burmans and Boodhism has been 
written, perhaps, than is presented in the following 
extract from one of Mrs. A. H. Judson's early letters : 
"If .we were convinced of the importance of missions 
before we left our native country, we now see and feel 
their importance, as well as their practicability. We 



The Appointed Field. 89 

could then picture to ourselves the miserable situation 
of heathen nations ; but we now see a whole populous 
empii'e, rational and immortal like ourselves, sunk in 
the grossest idolatry, given up to follow the wicked 
inclinations of their depraved hearts, entirely destitute 
of any moral principle, or the least spark of true be- 
nevolence. Let those who plead the native innocence 
and purity of heathen nations visit Burmah. The 
system of religion here has no power over the heart 
or restraint on the passions. Though it forbids, on 
pain of many years' suffering in hell, theft and false- 
hood, yet I presume to say there is not a single Bur- 
man in the country who, if he had a good opportunity, 
without danger of detection, would hesitate to do either. 
Though the religion inculcates benevolence, tender- 
ness, forgiveness of injuries, and love of enemies, though 
it forbids sensuality, love of pleasure, and attachment 
to worldly objects, yet it is destitute of power to pro- 
duce the former, or to subdue the latter in its votaries. 
In short, the Burman system of religion is like an ala- 
baster image, perfect and beautiful in all its parts, but 
destitute of life." 

It was not possible for our missionary, when he 
arrived in the Burman Empire, to have a full knowl- 
edge of either the people or their religion, yet 
information was within his reach which showed that 
his enterprise was discouraging and perilous. The 
history of previous efforts for their evangelization 
proved very clearly that a missionary in Burmah 
would have to address men who were " filled with all 
unrighteousness," and subject to a government the di- 
rect influence of which was to demoralize them and 
perpetuate the depravity it created. It was reasona- 
ble to believe, though Boodhism was powerless to re- 



90 The Appointed Field. 

form, that it would present a strong barrier in the way 
of Christianity. A determination to engage in mis- 
sionary exertions in Burmah, Mr. Jndson knew in- 
volved self-denial, toil, and hazard. It was certain 
that years must be devoted to the study of the lan- 
guage, and it was very probable that before the knowl- 
edge requisite for usefulness could be attained, that he 
would fall a victim to the climate. And if knowledge 
should be attained, and the ordeal of acclimation be 
safely passed, then he would still be at the mercy 
of an unprincipled despotism, which might at any 
moment drive him from the country or take his life. 
ITone of these things moved him. He had confidence 
that without the Lord's permission no sickness could 
befall him, nor any enemy set on him to hurt him. 
Furthermore, he knew that it was God's purpose to 
gather his elect from out of all " nations, kindreds, and 
tongues," and believing he was in some way to pro- 
mote this grand triumph of grace, as " a good soldier 
of Jesus Christ " he was ready to " endure hardness." 



THE CONSECRATION TESTED. 

" In all tMngs appToving ourselves as the ministers of God. in much. 

patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses." — 2 Cor. vi. 9. 

IX the interval which had occurred from the time 
Mr. Jiidson resolved to devote himself to mission- 
ary work, the reader will have seen he was called to 
encounter many difficulties and trials. In permitting 
these experiences, we may believe that God not only 
intended to discipline his servant for future hardships, 
but in the very beginning to prove the strength of his 
vow to make Christ known among the heathen. After 
enduring these chastenings he did not relinquish his 
purpose, but cherished it with unabated ardor. As his 
consecration was tested before he entered a missionary 
held, so afterward he found means appointed for the 
same end. The records of his life for the first few years 
from the time he entered Burmah show that he was 
called to meet with trials and discouragements under 
which, it is probable, not a few would faint. How 
they were met by Mr. Judson the following pages will 
show. 

In co^nniencing a mission, our subject was called to 
exercise a strong faith. When he went to Rangoon, 
sufficient time had not elapsed for any answer to be re- 
ceived to the communications he had addressed to Bap- 
tist ministers in the United States, and he had, there- 
fore, no means of knowing what might be his prospect 



92 The Consecration Tested. 

of support. As he remembered the slow and hesita- 
ting manner in which others committed themselves to 
the enterprise of missions, he had strong reason for 
fear that he might yet be compelled to abandon his ef- 
fort. In his dilemma it appeared to him that he ought 
to follow the path which seemed open before him, by 
qualifying himself for usefulness in the Burman empire, 
in the hope that time might bring a response which 
would give assurance that he should dwell in the land, 
and be fed. 

The first object to which our missionary devoted at- 
tention was the acquisition of the language. All that 
he possessed of help was a small part of a grammar 
which had been executed by Mr. Carey, and a few 
chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew. The 
short time which the missionaries who had preceded 
him had spent in the field caused these guides to be 
necessaril}^ very imperfect. His acquirements from 
the first may be regarded as the result of original in- 
vestigations, and these in a language considered very 
difficult of attainment. In commencing his studies he 
had hoped for considerable assistance from Mr. Carey, 
but that gentleman, having become " shriveled from 
a missionary into an ambassador,""^ was so engrossed 
by his engagements with the Burman court that he 
spent very little time in Rangoon. Beyond complet- 
ing his translation of Matthew's Gospel, and perhaps 
some parts of others,t he rendered no service after Mr. 



* Such was the phraseology used by Dr. Carey in referring to the 
circumstance : " Language," remarks Dr. F. A. Cox, " which every 
right-thinking person will know how to appreciate, but which proba- 
bly very few, even Christian parents, would have employed." 

t The fruits of his labors in this department were subsequently lost 
by the sinking of a vessel, in which his wife and three children perished. 



The Consecration Tested. 93 

Judson's arrival. The preceptor whom our missionary 
employed was able and intelligent, but the only 
lancriiao^es he understood were his own and the Pali. 
Mr. Judson was compelled, therefore, in acquiring in- 
formation in his preliminary studies, to point to various 
objects and have the teacher pronounce their names 
in Burmese. Thus did the future translator of God's 
Word commence the ascent of the hill of knowledge 
in the Burman language. " "Who hath despised the 
day of small things?" 

In Rangoon there were none who shared with Mr. 
and Mrs. Judson the hopes and desires of a Christian 
life; but in their loneliness they were not forgetful of 
the means which the Head of the Church has provi- 
ded for the edification of its members. Kot merely 
did they think upon His Word, but two months after 
their arrival, on the 19th of September, they united in 
commemorating the dying love of Christ at his table. 
Seldom have disciples of our Lord had more reason to 
consider the High Priest of their profession, and we 
may believe that not often has this observance been of 
greater benefit. " Though but two in number," writes 
Mrs. Judson, " we feel the command as binding and 
the privilege as great as though there were more, and 
we have indeed found it refreshing to our souls." The 
imagination of some may picture with admiration a 
group of believers keeping the feast in the Catacombs 
of Eome, and others may delight to dwell on the first 
sacramental observance of the Pilgrims in the new 
world, but rather would we contemplate these two 
children of l^ew England, rich in faith, hope, and 
love, taking the sacred symbols in a land where a 
false religion had held empire before God was manifest 
in the flesh. As they " went out" after singing their 



94 The Consecration Tested. 

sacramental hjmn, thej could gaze in no direction 
without having proof of its presence and power ; yet 
they had faith to believe that the religion whose insti- 
tutions they had observed in such loneliness was to as- 
sert and demonstrate its supremacy there. In view of 
all the circumstances, the keeping of the supper in the 
mission house at Rangoon presents an observance of 
the institution which for simple grandeur has never 
been surpassed since, in the guest chamber at Jeru- 
salem, Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of me." 

Our missionary had been in Rangoon but little more 
than a year when the health of Mrs. Judson so seriously 
declined as to occasion him great disquietude. Toward 
the end of the year 1814 the symptoms became so 
alarming that it was felt that, of the means within the 
compass of human device, a voyage presented the best 
hope for her recovery. With their work but just be- 
gun, it seemed very unadvisable for Mr. Judson to 
leave the country, and it was therefore decided that 
Mrs. Judson should proceed alone. It is difficult to 
conceive to which party the separation was the most 
painful. The one was to be left without a single indi- 
vidual with whom he could hold religious converse, 
and the other was to go forth, in feeble health, on a 
voyage, and, without any one to cheer her, meet the 
dangers of, and perhaps death on, the sea. Neverthe- 
less, to both this appeared the course which duty indi- 
cated, and when they saw the matter in this light, the 
sacrifice which compliance involved was cheerfully 
rendered. Mrs. Judson sailed for Madras in the last 
week of January, 1815. After she was gone, our sub- 
ject found the best relief for his mind in intense appli- 
cation, and spent his time, from sunrise till late in the 
evening, reading Burmese and conversing w*ith th'* 



The Consecration Tested. 95 

people. Early in April Mrs. Jiidson, with improved 
health, was again at his side. 

Mr. Jiidson had spent more than two years in Bur- 
mah before he received intelligence of the response 
of the Baptists in the United States to his appeal ; but 
on the 5th of September, 1815, a packet of documents 
and letters reached him, which informed him of the 
organization of a Baptist Missionary Convention, and 
that one of the first acts of the Board of Managers had 
been to appoint him their missionary, and to provide 
funds for his support. 

Previous to the formation of this body, which em- 
braced Baptists in all parts of the Union, several lead- 
ing ministers and others in Massachusetts had organ- 
ized a society, and proceeded to take measures for 
sustaining Mr. Judson, whenever he should be aban- 
doned by the Board of Commissioners. Following in 
the wake of their P^dobaptist brethren, they at first 
sought to form an alliance with a transatlantic organ- 
ization, hoping that Mr. Judson might be associated 
with the brethren at Serampore. The proceedings of 
the Indian government, they subsequently learned, 
would prevent the latter ; and the committee of the 
Baptist Missionary Society in England, though express- 
ing the utmost friendship, deemed the union proposed 
unadvisable, and recommended their American breth- 
ren to assume at once the responsibilities of a mission 
of their own. The Massachusetts society having been 
formed in anticipation of a more general denomina- 
tional organization, this object was sought in a general 
meeting at Philadelphia in 1814, at which, as already 
stated, the Baptist General Convention was formed. 

The assurance of support which the proceedings of the 
General Convention afi'orded filled Mr. Judson with un- 



96 The Consecration Tested. 

usual delight. His emotions at the time may be learned 
from the following extract from his correspondence ; 

" These accounts from my dear native land were so 
interesting as to banish from my mind all thought of 
study. This general movement among the Baptist 
churches in America is particularly encouraging, as it 
affords an additional indication of God's merciful de- 
signs in favor of the poor heathen. It unites with all 
the Bible societies in Europe and America during the 
last twenty years in furnishing abundant reason to 
hope that the dreadful darkness which has so long en- 
veloped the earth is about to flee away before the rising 
sun. Do not the successes which have crowned some 
missionary exertions seem like the daw^n of morning 
in the East ? O that this region of Egyptian darkness 
may ere long participate in the vivifying beams of light! 

"None but one who has had the experience can tell 
what feelings comfort the heart of a solitary mission- 
ary, when, though all the scenes around him present 
no friend, he remembers and has proof that there are 
spots on this wide earth where Christian brethren feel 
that his cause is their own, and pray to the same God 
and Saviour for his welfare and success. Thanks be to 
God, not only for ' rivers of endless joy above,' but for 
' rills of comfort here below.' " 

But while Mr. Judson was cheered by communica- 
tion from his native land, he had also to hear of "re- 
proaches." The news of his secession from the ecclesi- 
astical body with which he had formerly been con- 
nected had made considerable excitement in New En- 
gland, and w^as a cause of especial chagrin to the cor- 
responding secretary of the American Board. The 
most favorable construction of his motives could 
scarcely be expected from those to whom his course 



The Conseckation Tested. 97 

was offensive, and many liard speeches and unfavor- 
able conjectures were made concerning his motives. 
Among the statements which reached Mr. Judson was 
one to the effect that, " shortly before he sailed, he 
received a reprimand from the board, which so offended 
him that he resolved to have no more to do with them, 
and in no way could he escape so honorably as by 
becoming a Baptist !" This alleged reprimand is gen- 
erally understood to have been given Mr. Judson on 
account of his neglect to collect sufficient information, 
while in London, on certain points on which the board 
desired light, and his subsequent pertinacity in press- 
ing on its memb.ers the immediate appointment of 
himself and associates for missionary labor. When 
Mr. Judson learned that it was asserted that he had 
been called to submit to a reprimand, he sent back his 
indignant denial of its truth, and declared he "had 
not the most distant idea that the board ever thought 
him deserving of one.*' Dr. Worcester re-asserted 
that this reprimand was given ; and as Dr. Spring was 
stated to have administered it, Mr. Judson in 1819 
wrote to him, avowing that he had no knowledge of 
it, and requesting him ^to inform him whether he 
deemed the charge correct. The same year he thus 
referred to the conduct of his friends in this matter in 
a letter to the Eev. Dr. Baldwin : ''I am truly sensible 
of their kindness in taking such a deep interest in my 
character and welfare. But I must say that the whole 
affair appears to me exceedingly insignificant in com- 
parison with the great object which now engrosses the 
faculties of our souls — the introduction of the Messiah's 
kingdom into the empire of Burmah. O if we may 
be instrumental of saving a few precious souls from 
heathen perdition, let our names live in oblivion or 

5 



98 The Conseceation Tested. 

disgrace till the great day ! I was sensible, however, 
that some explanation was necessary ; for the Baptists 
could not be justified in patronizing an exceptionable 
character." In after years a number of circumstances, 
and among others a statement of his early and beloved 
associate, the Rev. Samuel Kott, convinced him that 
there was "some expression of dissatisfaction;" and 
though Dr. Worcester was deceased, he considered it 
due to his memory to state that there was "just ground 
for parts of the statements he had made concerning 
him." Kevertheless, the charge that he was induced 
by any admonition he received from the American 
Board to change his ecclesiastical relations still remains 
without j^roof. Those who have read the accounts 
given by both Mr. Judsou and his wife concerning their 
change of views on the subject of baptism can form a 
judgment of the conscientiousness of their proceedings. 
If it can be believed that the pages he wrote at that 
time were the fruits of ill-humor, it is scarcely possible 
for man to conceive of greater moral turpitude in any 
one who ever bore the Christian name. Men of right 
feeling have long regretted, not only that the lonely 
missionary was thus calumniated, but that a minister 
of Christ, whose memory is deservedly held in esteem 
throughout the land, was betrayed into such unchari- 
tableness. 

After receiving intelligence from America, Mr. Jud- 
son continued to devote himself to his studies, as ever, 
with most exemplary diligence. Mrs. Judson thus de- 
scribes him in his study in one of her letters, and it 
probably may be regarded as an accurate sketch of our 
subject during all his early years in Eangoon, for 
though he was compelled to change his teachers sev- 
eral times he was seldom absent from his post : 



The Consecration Tested. 99 

" Could you look into a large open room, which we 
call a veranda, you would see Mr. Judson bent over 
his table, covered with Burman books, with his teacher 
at his side, a venerable-looking man, in his sixtieth 
year, with a cloth wrapped round his middle, and a 
handkerchief round his head. They talk and chatter 
all day long without hardly any cessation." 

In applying himself to study, Mr. Judson found that 
a considerable number of words in common use, and a 
very great proportion of theological terms, were of a 
Pali origin — a dialect of the Sanscrit introduced into 
the country with the religion of Boodh. Though a 
dead language, and cultivated only by the learned, yet 
it seemed indispensable to one who contemplated the 
work of translation to make acquaintance with it, es- 
pecially as it was essential to a full knowledge of 
Burmese. During the latter six months of 1815, there- 
fore, Mr. Judson occupied the greater part of his time 
in studying and transcribing, in alphabetical arrange- 
ment, the Pali Abigdan, or dictionary of the Pali lan- 
guage, affixing to the Pali terms the interpretation in 
Burman, and again transferring the Burman words to 
a dictionary, Burman and English. With the close 
of the year, he brought this tedious work to a close. 
The number of Pali words thus collected amounted to 
four thousand three hundred and twenty. The diver- 
sion of time for this object was greatly regretted, but 
the constant occurrence of Pali terms in every Burman 
book made it absolutely necessary. 

As soon as Mr. Judson obtained any use of the lan- 
guage so that he could hope to be understood, he en- 
deavored to converse with Burman s on religious sub- 
jects. During the year 1815, like Paul at Eome, he 
" received all that came in unto him ;" but none came 



100 The Consecration Tested. 

from any real anxiety with respect to spiritual things. 
Many were attracted by the hope of seeing Mrs. Jud- 
son, an English or American woman being a great cu- 
riosity. In some instances it was thought that the truth 
had made a salutary impression, but very soon such 
hopes were dissipated. At the same time he found in 
Rangoon the evil effects of a corruption of Christian 
truth and ordinances. " An old man," writes Mr. Jud- 
son, ''frequently visited us, and said he wished to be 
instructed in our way, as he called it. He was of 
Portuguese descent, though a Burman in his habits. 
Mr. Judson talked much to him about his depraved 
nature, and the necessity of a new heart. The last 
time he came, he inquired if we would not give money 
to those who were baptized and joined us, when Mr. 
Judson told him, IN'o. He then asked what it was to 
have a new heart. Mr. Judson told him — when he re- 
plied, that he had got a new heart — that he believed 
in Christ and the true God. Mr. Judson asked him 
how long since he felt his heart was new ? He said he 
was a Christian, was baptized in infancy; had always 
worshiped the true God, and had those feelings Mr. Jud- 
son described." 

With the commencement of the year 1816, our mis- 
sionary devoted all his time of study to the Burman 
language, and with such " pleasure and spirit" that he 
describes himself as making " rapid progress." In ob- 
taining this acquaintance with the language, Mr. Jud- 
son says he met with difficulties that he had no idea of 
before he entered the work. Some of them are pre- 
sented in the following extract of a letter to the Rev. 
Dr. Bolles, of Salem. 

" For a European or American to acquire a living 
Oriental language, root and branch, and make it his 



The, Consecration Tested. 101 

own, is quite a different thing from his acquiring a cog- 
nate language of the West, or any of the dead langua- 
ges, as they are studied in the schools. One circum- 
stance may serve to illustrate this. I once had occasion 
to devote about two months to the study of the French. 
I have now been above two years engaged on the Bur- 
man ; but if I were to choose between a Burman and 
French book to be examined in, without previous study, 
I should, without the least hesitation, choose the 
French. When we take up a Western language, the 
similarity in the characters, in very many terms, in 
many modes of expression, and in the general structure 
of sentences, its being in fair print (a circumstance we 
hardly think of), and the assistance of grammars, dic- 
tionaries, and instructors, render the work compara- 
tively easy. But when we take up a language spoken 
by a people on the other side of the earth, whose very 
thoughts run in channels diverse from ours, and whose 
modes of expression are consequently all new and un- 
couth ; when we find the letters and words all totally 
destitute of the least resemblance to any language we 
had ever met with, and these words not fairly divided 
and distinguished, as in Western writing, by breaks, 
and points, and capitals, but run together in one con- 
tinuous line, a sentence or paragraph seeming to the 
eye but one long word ; when, instead of clear charac- 
ters on paper, we find only obscure scratches on dried 
palm leaves strung together and called a book ; when 
we have no dictionary, and no interpreter to explain a 
single word, and must get something of the language 
before we can avail ourselves of the assistance of a na- 
tive teacher — 

* Hoc opus, hie labor est.' " 

In connection with the study of Burmese literature, 



102 The Conseceation Tested. 

our missionary at this time began to translate one of 
the Gospels, and to prepare a summary of Christian 
truth in the form of a tract. In a letter written to the 
Eev. Mr. Ward, at Serampore, he remarked: "I am 
now beginning to translate a little. I am extremely 
anxious to get some parts of Scripture into an intelli- 
gible state lit to be read to Burmans that I meet with. 
I have nothing yet that I can venture to use. The 
Portuguese missionaries have left a version of some ex- 
tracts of Scripture, not very badly executed in regard 
to language, but full of Romish errors. This, however, 
will afford me some assistance." 

Feeling now confidence enough to address himself 
to translation, our missionary was encouraged to hope 
that the time was not far distant when he would be 
able to " commence" missionary work. For though 
he had frequently endeavored to make known religious 
truth in conversation, yet with his imperfect knowl- 
edge of Burmese, and the necessary engrossment of 
his attention in making further acquisitions, he did not 
think that his time hitherto could be considered as 
spent in evangelization. 

Mr. Judson was permitted to continue his studies 
for some three months, when all pursuits were inter- 
rupted by personal affliction. His translation and 
tracts "in imagination were already finished and cir- 
culating among the natives, when," he writes, " all of 
a sudden, in the midst of the hot season, which in this 
country is most severe during the months of March 
and April, I was seized with a distressing weakness 
and pain in my eyes and head, which put a stop to all 
my delightful pursuits, and reduced me to a pitiable 
state indeed." 

On the eleventh of April he was compelled to lay 



The Consecration Tested. 103 

aside his Burman books, but finding that he could at- 
tend to the compilation of a Burmese grammar with 
" less pain" than he could to any other pursuit, he set 
himself to the collection of what knowledge he had 
acquired for this purpose. " And this I was induced 
to persevere in," he says in a letter to Dr. Staughtoii, 
" from the hope that if I was never again able to pros- 
ecute the study of the language, the knowledge I have 
hitherto acquired would not be wholly lost to a suc- 
cessor." This work was completed some three months 
after. 

His affliction became more aggravated in May and 
June, so that his eyes were so much affected that he 
could no longer read or write ; but still love of his 
work triumphed over infirmities, and from day to day 
Mrs. Judson " read to him in Burman, and in that way 
he was able to continue his studies." This poor con- 
solation concerning his work was soon taken away, 
and in July he could not even allow her to read to 
him. In this state of matters a voyage to Bengal was 
contemplated, for the benefit of the sea air and medical 
assistance at Calcutta. A passage having been offered 
Mr. Judson and his wife, free of expense, preparations 
were made for their departure ; but in the interval 
previous to the time appointed for embarkation, intel- 
ligence reached Rangoon that Mr. Hough and family 
had arrived at Calcutta. Mrs. Judson now resolved to 
wait their coming, and the vessel being detained some- 
what longer, Mr. Judson, by change of diet and exer- 
cise on horseback, became so much better that he re- 
linquished the voyage altogether. 

The year 1816 had other causes of sorrow to Mr. 
Judson besides personal affliction. On the seventh 
of May Mrs. Judson wrote as follows : " Death, regard- 



104 The Consecration Tested. 

less of our lonely situation, has entered our dwelling, 
and made one of the happiest families wretched. Our 
little Roger Williams, our only darling boy, was three 
days ago laid in the silent grave. Eight months we 
enjoyed the precious little gift, in which time he had 
so completely entwined himself around his parents' 
hearts, that his existence seemed necessary to their 
own. But God has taught us by afflictions what we 
would not learn by mercies — that our hearts are his 
exclusive property, and that whatever rival intrudes, 
he will tear it away." 

The loss of this infant was felt the more severely 
from the excellence of disposition he manifested. ^' He 
was a remarkably pleasant child — never cried except 
when in pain, and what," writes Mrs. . Judson, " we 
often observed to each other was most singular, he 
never during his little existence manifested the least 
anger or resentment at any thing." To his father he 
was especially endeared, for "he would lie for hours 
on a seat by his papa's study table, or by the side of 
his chair on the floor, if he could only see his face." 

The third anniversary of the arrival of our mission- 
ary occurred at the time that his affliction of his head 
and eyes was most severe. "We may suppose that the 
progress of the mission came under a review as soon 
as he was able to give any attention to the subject. 
He was not able to report any conversions, but his 
correspondence shows that he was still rich in faith. 
A letter to his early friend, the Rev. Luther Rice, 
dated Aug. 3rd, contains the following paragraph : 

*' If any ask what success I meet with among the 
natives, tell them to look at Otaheite, where the mis- 
sionaries labored nearly twenty years, and, not meet- 
ing with the sliglitest success, began to be neglected 



The Consecration Tested. 105 

by all the Christian world, and the very name of Ota- 
heite began to be a shame to the cause of missions ; 
and now the blessing begins to come. Tell them to 
look at Bengal also, where Dr. Thomas had been la- 
boring seventeen years (that is, from 1T83 to 1800) 
before the first convert, Krishna, was baptized. When 
a few converts are once made, then things move on ; 
but it requires a much longer time than I have been 
here to make a first impression on a heathen people. 
If they ask again, * What prospect of ultiniate success 
is there?' tell them, 'As much as that there is an al- 
mighty and faithful God who will perform his prom- 
ises, and no more.' If this does not satisfy them, beg 
them to let me stay and try it, and to let you come, 
and to give us our hread ^ or if they are unwilling to 
risk their bread on such a forlorn hope as has nothing 
but the Word of God to sustain it, beg of them, at 
least, not to prevent others from giving us bread ; and 
if we live some twenty or thirty years, they may hear 
from us again." 

Though he could report no conversions, he rejoiced 
in his attainments in the language, and took courage 
for the future; and two days after writing to Mr. Rice, 
he thus wrote to Dr. Baldwin : 

" Is it nothing that an attempt is begun to be made ; 
that in one instance the language is considerably ac- 
quired ; that a tract is ready for publication which is 
intelligible and perspicuous, and will give the Bur- 
mans thQir first ideas of a Saviom- and the way of salva- 
tion ; that a press and types have now arrived, and a 
printer is on the way ; that a grammar is finished, to 
facilitate the studies of others, and a dictionary of the 
language is in a very forward state ; and that the way 
is now prepared, as soon as health permits, to proceed 

5" 



106 The Consecration Tested. 

slowly in the translation of the New Testament ? Is it 
nothing that, just at this time, the monarch of the 
country has taken a violent hate to the priests of his 
own religion, and is endeavoring, with all his power, 
to extirpate the whole order, at the same time profess- 
ing to be an inquirer after the true religion ? Is all 
this to be set down a mere cipher ? It is true that we 
may desire much more. But let us use what we have, 
and God will give us more. However, men and 
money must be forthcoming. "Work can not be done 
without men, and men can not work without bread ; 
nor can we expect the ravens to feed them in ordinary 
cases." 

Mr. Judson had a joyful meeting with Mr. Hough, Oc- 
tober 15th. A printing press which had been given to 
the mission by the Serampore brethren, having reached 
Kangoon a short time before, immediate measures were 
taken to prepare an office for its reception, and to get 
it in operation. By the beginning of 1817 Mr. Jud- 
son's first Burman tract was printed. Thus the 

— mightiest of mighty means 
On which the arm of progress leans 

began to do service for Christ on Burman soil. 

Mr. Judson soon learned that the presence of Mr. 
Hough, and his powerful auxiliary, though of great 
value to him, increased rather than lightened his work. 
In a letter to Dr. Baldwin, dated February 10th, 1817, 
he says : " Our hands are full from morning till night. 
I can not for my life translate as fast as brother Hough 
will print. He has to do all the hard work in the print- 
ing-office, without a single assistant, and can not, there- 
fore, apply himself to the study of the language^ as is 
desirable. As for me, I have not an hour to converse 



The Consecration Tested. 107 

with the natives, or go out and make proclamation of 
the glorious Gospel." 

The press did no small service in the first two months 
of the year. Under date of March 7th, Mr. Judson 
says : " Since the beginning of this year, we have 
printed two tracts, the one a view of the Christian re- 
ligion, seven pages, one thousand copies ; the other a 
catechism of six pages, 12mo., three thousand copies. 
After which, finding that we had paper sufficient for 
an edition of eight hundred of Matthew, we concluded 
to undertake this one Gospel, by way of trial, and as 
introductory to a larger edition of the whole 'New Test - 
ament. I am now translating the eleventh chapter, 
and in the printing-room the third half sheet is setting 
up." 

The day on which Mr. Judson wrote the above ac- 
count of the printing operations of the missions, his 
heart was cheered by discovering an indication of Di- 
vine blessing in awakening a spirit of inquiry by means 
of the publications which he had been permitted to is- 
sue. He writes : " I have this day been visited by the 
first inquirer after religion that I have ever seen in 
Burmali. For- although in the course of the last two 
years I have preached the Gospel to many, and though 
some have visited me several times, and conversed on 
the subject of religion, yet I have never had much rea- 
son to believe that their visits originated in a spirit of 
sincere inquiry. Conversations on religion have al- 
ways been of my proposing, and though I have some- 
times been encouraged to hope that truth had made 
some impression, never till to-day have I met with one 
who was fairly entitled to the epithet of inquirer. 

" As I was sitting mth my teacher as usual, a Burman 
of respectable appearance, and followed by a servant, 



108 The Consecration Tested. 

came up the steps and sat down by me. I asked him 
the usual question, where he came from, to which he 
gave no explicit reply, and I began to suspect that he 
had come from the government-house to enforce a tri- 
fling request which in the morning we had declined. 
Tie soon, however, undeceived and astonished me by 
asking, ' How long time will it take me to learn the 
religion of Jesus?' I replied that such a question 
conld not be answered. If God gave light and wisdom, 
the religion of Jesus was soon learned ; but, without 
God, a man might study all his life long, and make no 
proficiency. ' But how,' continued I, * came you to 
know any thing of Jesus ? Have you ever been here 
before V ' iSo.^ ' Have you seen any writing con- 
cerning Jesus V ' I have seen two little books.' 
' Who is Jesus ?' ' He is the Son of God, who, pity- 
ing creatures, came into this world, and suffered death 
in their stead.' ' Who is God ?' * He is a being with- 
out beginning or end, who is not subject to old age 
and death, but always is.' I can not tell how I felt at 
this moment. This was the first acknowledgment of 
an eternal God that I had ever heard from the lips 
of a Burman. I handed him a tract and catechism, 
both which he instantly recognized, and read here and 
there, making occasional remarks to his follower, such 
as, 'This is the true God; this is the right way,' etc. 
I now tried to tell him some things about God and 
Christ and himself, but he did not listen with much 
attention, and seemed anxious only to get another book. 
I had already told him two or three times that I had 
finished no other book, but that in two or three months 
I would give him a larger one, which I was now daily 
employed in translating. 'But,' replied he, 'have 
you not a little of that book done, which you will gra- 



The Consecration Tested. 109 

ciouslj give me now V And I heginning to think that 
GocVs time is hetter than manh^ folded and gave liim 
the first two half sheets, which contain the first five 
chapters of Matthew, on which he instantly rose, as if 
his business was all done, and having received an in- 
vitation to come again, took leave. 

"Tliroughout his short stay he appeared difi'erent 
from any Burmans I liave yet met with. He asked 
no questions about customs and manners, with which 
the Burmans tease us exceedingly. He had no curios- 
ity, and no desire for any thing, but ' more of this sort 
OF writing.' In fine, his conduct proved that he had 
something on his mind, and I can not but hope that I 
shall have to write about him again." 

Though Mr. Judson had been nearly four years in 
the country, yet up to the time of the visit of this in- 
quirer he had not ])iiblicly preached. He believed 
that in commencing a mission, translations of the Scrip- 
tures ought to have his first attention, and to qualify 
himself for this work, as it was the end of his study, 
was also the chief good he expected from his inter- 
course with the people. A letter of Mr. Hough, writ- 
ten in February 1817, contains the following, " Brother 
Judson has never yet been abroad to preach. He has 
applied himself constantly to the study of the Ian. 
guage, with a view to the translation of the ITew Test- 
ament. We both concur in the opinion, that before 
'preaching be undertaken to any considerable degree, 
some portions of the Scriptures should be in circula- 
tion." Mr. Judson thus expresses himself on this mat- 
ter, March 26th, of the same year: "I am sorry that 
I can not send home more interesting letters. But I 
am not yet in the way of collecting interesting matter. 
I have found that I could not preach publicly to any 



110 The Consecration Tested. 

advantage, without being able, at the same time, to put 
something into the hands of the hearers. And in or- 
der to qualify myself to do this, I have found it abso- 
lutely necessary to keep at home, and confine myself 
to close study for three or four years. I hope, how- 
ever, after Matthew is finished, to make a more public 
entrance on my work than has yet been done." 

When it is remembered that to those among whom 
Mr. Judson was a missionary the teachings of Chris- 
tianity were altogether novel, it will be evident to any 
reader that his plan of having " something" to " put 
into the hands of the hearers," was, seeing so many 
were able to read, a means, under God, for great per- 
manent good. Many of those who might hear a mis- 
sionary preach in Rangoon it was probable would be 
strangers, who, having come for purposes of trade or 
to worship at the great pagoda, wonld soon be far re- 
moved from the place. Some of these would hear but 
a few remarks, and passing away from the sound of 
the teacher's voice have most indistinct and erroneous 
conceptions of Christianity ; but by placing in their 
hands a transcript of God's "Word, though in many 
cases the foolish mind might still be darkened, yet it 
was reasonable to hope that in some instances the open- 
ing of God's Word would give light. 

The opinion which Mr. Hough states Mr. Judson 
and himself entertained of the priority of Scriptures 
to preaching ma}'*seemto some not in accordance with 
apostolic procedure. It is certain that the difiusion 
of copies of the Scriptures, either in whole or in part, 
was not the means by which the apostles extended a 
knowledge of Christianity, and if they had been dis- 
posed to seek its advancement thus, they had not facil- 
ities for multiplying transcripts of the sacred records 



The Consecration Tested. Ill 

to any extent. Yet it is to be remembered that no 
grander or more decisive triumphs of the Gospel in 
primitive times occurred, than among those to whom 
the writings of Moses and the prophets were familiar. 
The success of Peter's preaching on the day of Pente- 
cost is ascribable to Divine influences, but yet the 
means which were made use of were appeals which rec- 
ognized a previous acquaintance with the Scriptures 
on the part of his hearers. They had in general a 
knowledge of all the Scriptures which as yet had been 
committed to writing, and this in an important degree 
caused them to be a people made ready of the Lord. 

The missionaries at Serampore, in a letter to the 
Baptist Board of Foreign Missions on the Burman mis- 
sion, expressed their "hope" that the views of Amer- 
ican Christians were ''not confined to immediate con- 
version of the natives by the preaching of the word. In 
deprecating an exclusive reliance on a publication of 
the Gospel by the human voice, they wrote : " From all 
we have seen hitherto, we are ready to think that 
the dispensations of Providence point to labors that 
may operate indeed more slowly on the population, but 
more effectually in the end ; as knowledge once put 
into fermentation will not only influence the part where 
it is first deposited, but leaven the whole lump. The 
slow process of conversion in such a mode of teaching 
the natives may not be so encouraging, and may re- 
quire in all more faith and patience, but it appears to 
have been the process of things in the progress of the 
reformation during the reign of Henry, Edward, Eliz- 
abeth, James, and Charles." As Mr. Judson was in 
frequent correspondence with Dr. Carey and his asso- 
ciates, their views were doubtless familiar to him, and, 
perhaps, had no small influence in the strong bias he 



112 The Consecration Tested. 

had for tracts and translations as a means of evangeliza- 
tion. After tlie visit of his inquirer of March, though 
the situation of the mission-house was very unfavor- 
able, being removed from general avenues of travel, a 
few were found to inquire concerning the new religion. 
But the fear of persecution soon deterred those who 
might, it was hoped, have proved earnest inquirers. 
Two, who had seemed to promise especially well, sud- 
denly ceased their visits, and a general fearfulness was 
apparent on any when they were found by others 
speaking to the missionary. In this case, while Mr. 
Judson felt that God could enable serious inquirers to 
brave all their fears, he began to consider the propri- 
ety of visiting the emperor, to see if his consent could 
be acquired to the measures of evangelization in which 
the missionaries were engaged. While waiting the is- 
sue of events he concluded to distribute the tracts and 
Gospel which had been printed, and as opportunity 
occurred to converse with the people, but he determ- 
ined to devote his chief labors to the compilation of a 
dictionary, with the hope of rendering service to future 
missionaries. 

The confidence Mr. Judson had of ultimate success 
in August, 1816, has already been recorded, and it may 
be well to see what was the state of his mind in the 
corresponding month of the following year. He had 
still no knowledge of the conversion of a single Bur- 
man, and the people Avere evidently fearful to hold con- 
verse with him ; nevertheless, he Avrote as follows : " I 
have no doubt that God is preparing the way for the 
conversion of Burmah to his Son. ISlor have I any 
doubt that we who are now here are, in some little de- 
gree, contributing to this glorious event. This thought 
fills me with joy. I know not that I shall liv^e to see 



The Consecration Tested. 113 

a single convert : but, notwithstanding, I feel that I 
would not leave my present situation to be made a 
king." 

According to this plan, our missionary spent the lat- 
ter part of the year 1817 principally in an endeavor 
to complete his dictionary, after which he hoped to 
engage in more public efforts to do good, but in De- 
cember an opportunity presented itself for him to visit 
Chittagong. His long confinement to close study, to- 
gether with an ardent desire to instruct the Mugs, who 
had been reported as converted under the labors of the 
Rev. Mr. De Bruyn, then recently deceased, and as the 
Burmese was their vernacular, the hope of persuading 
one or two of them to return with him to Rangoon to 
act as interpreters induced him to embark. He left 
home with this end December 25th. After a month's 
experience with contrary winds — and in view of the 
season, little hope of any change which would prove 
favorable — the captain determined to make sail for 
Madras. The state of Mr. Judson's mind at this time 
is to be found in the following passages from his cor- 
respondence : 

" It was with the most bitter feelings that I witnessed 
the entire failure of my undertaking and saw the sum- 
mits of the mountains of Arracan, the last indexes of 
my country, sinking into the horizon, and the ship 
stretching away to a distant part of India, which I had 
no wish to visit, and where I had no object to obtain. 
It was, however, some mitigation of my disappoint- 
ment, that I should, in all probability, be able to re- 
turn to Rangoon and resume my missionary business 
much earlier than if I had visited Chittagong. But 
even the consolation of this hope was not long al- 
lowed me. We had, indeed, a quick passage across 



114 The Consecration Tested. 

the bay ; but on drawing near the Coromandel coast, 
the wind and current combined to prevent our farther 
progress, and at the expiration of another month, hav- 
ing for a long time subsisted on nothing scarcely but 
rice and water, and being now reduced to very short 
allowance, we concluded to make sail for Masulipatam, 
a port north of Madras, which we doubted not we 
should be able to reach in a very few days. In this, 
again, we were disappointed, and through the unman- 
ageableness of the ship, or the mismanagement of the 
captain, were detained at sea nearly another month. 
During this period we were sometimes in great distress, 
deeming ourselves very fortunate when able to get a bag 
of rice or a few buckets of water from any native vessel 
which happened to pass. Once we sent the long-boat 
to the shore, ^nd obtained a considerable supply of wa- 
ter, which was a great relief But of rice we could 
obtain no sufficient supply, and all other articles of pro- 
vision were quite. out of the question." 

Instead of a fortnight's voyage, as Mr. Judson had 
anticipated, twelve weeks passed before he left the ves- 
sel. In consequence of the length and discomfort of 
the passage his former disorder of the head and eyes 
returned, and after arriving at Masulipatam he was de- 
tained by this affliction for some days. The vessel in 
which he had arrived he found, instead of returning to 
Kangoon, would probably remain for several months, 
and as urgent reasons led him to desire to return to his 
station immediately, he determined to go to Madras, in 
the hope of finding a conveyance from that port. He 
was still greatly reduced in strength, and the pain of 
his head frequently agonizing ; but he hired a palanquin 
and bearers and set out on the journey, though it in- 
volved three hundred miles' travel. He arrived at his 



The Consecration Tested. 115 

destination April 8th, 1818. With his mission upper- 
most in his mind, he says: "Mj first aim was, of 
course, the beach, and my first inquiry a vessel bound 
to Eangoon." Fresh troubles awaited him, and he 
adds: "My chapter of disappointments was not yet 
finished. E'o vessel had sailed for Eangoon this year, 
and such, it was understood, was the unsettled state 
of the Burman country, that none would probably 
venture for some time to come." 

This posture of affairs, conjoined with the state of 
his health, was trying in the extreme. He was unable 
to study, and incapable of any exertion. He had no 
intelligence from Eangoon, and was unable to relieve 
the anxiety he knew Mrs. Judson must be under con- 
cerning him ; but his habitual confidence in God tri- 
umphed over all fears and doubts concerning the wis- 
dom of this appointment. He wrote: "It is wise, 
though blindness can not apprehend. It is best, though 
unbelief is disposed to murmur. Be still, my soul, 
and know that He is God." 

While he remained in Madras, our missionary expe- 
rienced great kindness and hospitality in the families 
of the Eev. Mr. Thompson, chaplain, and the Eev. Mr. 
Loveless, missionary, and received such proofs of 
Christian affection from many dear friends, that he felt 
parting with them very painful, though his detention 
in Madras had, in other respects, been almost insup- 
portable. On the 20th of July he embarked in a small 
vessel for home, and on the 2nd of the following month 
she was safely anchored at the mouth of the Eangoon 
river. 

Tidings of an alarming character reached him very 
soon after the vessel was moored. During his absence, 
certain Portuguese priests, who had been resident at 



116 The Consecration Tested 



Ava, had been commanded to leave the empire. On 
their arrival at Kangoon, Mr. Hough was suspected to 
be of their number, and was accordingly summoned 
to give assurance that he was not, and detained for 
three days on various flimsy pretexts for purposes of 
extortion.. About this time the cholera appeared 
among the native population, and day by day the 
death-drum made known the decease of its victims. 
In addition to all this, the rumor of war with the Brit- 
ish had gained strength, and with a government like 
the Burmese it was known that foreigners must look 
for barbarities and indignities. At the time of Mr. 
Judson's arrival nearly all the foreigners had left, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Hough were on board shij) intending to 
depart for Bengal. As nothing had been heard of Mr. 
Judson since his departure six months before, Mrs. 
Judson at one time had consented to accompany them ; 
but the vessel having been delayed for some days, she 
decided to return to the mission-house and wait till tid- 
ings arrived concerning him. She was alone in this 
large house when intelligence reached Kangoon of the 
arrival of the vessel from Madras with Mr. Judson. 
Their re-union after so lengthened a separation was an 
occasion of devout gratitude, heightened by the fact of 
its occurrence in the midst of troubles, which, if the 
worst fears were realized, gave them hope of bearing 
each other companionship. 

On Mr. Judson's arrival he endeavored to persuade 
Mr. and Mrs. Hough to remain, but without success, 
and after several delays had occurred they finally em- 
barked. At the same time Mr. Hough took with him 
the press and all the implements of the printing-office. 

The disposition which the authorities manifested at 
this time was calculated to cause considerable concern. 



The Conseckation Tested. 117 

Mr. Judson fully realized the danger, and in a letter to 
Dr. Staughton shows how precarious he felt the situa- 
tion of the mission to be. " One malicious intimation 
to the king would occasion our banishment, and ban- 
ishment, as the Burmans tell us, is no small thing, 
being attended with confiscation of all property, and 
such various abuses as would make us deem ourselves 
happy to escape with our lives." 

Thus exposed, many would have left the country 
while it was possible to do so without peril. But Mr. 
Judson was a " strict constructionist" of the Bible, and 
as he read, " When they persecute you in this city, 
flee ye into another," he determined to wait till the 
measures of the authorities assumed such a form that, 
without any misgiving, he could follow the course his 
Lord indicated. The situation, he admitted, might 
appear somewhat alarming to a person accustomed to 
the liberty and safety of a free government. "But," 
he remarks, " let us remember that it has been the lot 
of the greater part of mankind to live under a despotic 
government, devoid of all security for life or property 
a single moment. Let us remember that the Son of 
God chose to become incarnate under the most unprin- 
cipled and cruel despot that ever reigned. And shall 
any disciple of Christ refuse to do a little service for his 
Saviour under a government where his Saviour would 
not have refused to live and die for his soul ? God for- 
bid. Yet faith is sometimes weak — flesh and blood some- 
times repine. O for grace to strengthen faith, to animate 
hope, to elevate affection, to embolden the soul, to enable 
us to look danger and death in the face ; still more, to 
behold, without repining, those most dear to us suffer- 
ing fears and pains, which we would gladly have re- 
doubled on ourselves, if it would exonerate them." 



118 The Consecration Tested. 

In this as in other trials he felt assured of the prayers 
of the chnrches of Christ, and adds : " We feel encour- 
aged by the thought that many of the dear children 
of God remember us at the mercy seat. To your 
prayers I desire once more to commend myself — the 
weakest, the most unqualified, the most unworthy, and 
the most unsuccessful of all missionaries." 

Amid discouraging prospects Mr. Judson had the 
privilege of welcoming two new associates in the per- 
sons of Messrs. Wheelock and Coleman, who arrived 
with their wives in Eangoon September 19th. In 
every individual of this company he was greatly de- 
lighted. But the feeble health of both of these breth- 
ren was soon a cause of concern, and greatly dimin- 
ished the happiness he had enjoyed in their arrival. 
Before they had been in Rangoon a week both suffered 
from bleeding at the lungs, a complaint to which they 
had been somewhat subject previous to leaving the 
United States. 

The unsuccessful attempt Mr. Judson made to visit 
Chittagong led to an absence from Rangoon of nearly 
eight months. On his return he determined to resume 
his studies with all diligence, and in a letter to Dr. 
Staughton, dated February 20th, 1819, he says : *' My 
time for the last few months has been divided between 
reading Burman, writing some portions of Scripture, 
and other things preparatory to public worship, hold- 
ing conversations on religion, and superintending the 
erection of a zayat (as the Burmans call it), or place 
of public resort, where we intend to spend much of 
our time, and where we hope to have stated worship, 
or, at least, to try the practicability of such an attempt 
under this government." 

As the opening of this zayat may be considered as 



The Conseckation Tested. 119 

the commencing of a new era in Mr. Judson's mission- 
ary exertions, we may here best draw this chapter to 
a close. The letter from which an extract is given 
above bears a date which shows it to have been writ- 
ten just seven years from the day the Caravan left 
Salem, and if the time of Mr. Judson's absence from 
his station, of which a record is given in this chapter, 
be deducted, he will be found to have spent a period 
of time at Rangoon w^hich very slightly exceeds five 
years. Let the reader imagine the enumeration our 
missionary could have made had he at this time sat 
down to "reckon" his sufferings since he became a 
resident of this city of Boodhists. Heavy personal 
afflictions had befallen him, attended by months of 
weariness. He had known an affecting bereavement, 
and two long and painful separations from his com- 
panion. Added to this, he had met with no small 
peril and privation on the sea, and distant as he 
was from his native land, he was not too far removed 
to hear of "hard speeches and unfavorable conjec- 
tures" concerning himself, by brethren whom he had 
delighted to honor. Yet more : his first colleague had 
left him when his presence seemed most important, 
and the printing press, the arrival of which had 
caused him so much delight, was gone to Bengal. He 
had now new associates, but their feeble health caused 
him to entertain little hope that they would live long 
enough to be useful among the heathen, and his every 
effort to make known the Gospel he was fearful might 
be followed by a sentence of banishment. Such is the 
account he could have given of his sufferings, perils, 
and prospects. And what had been his success? 
Tracts and Scriptures had been circulated, but though 
seven years had passed since he left his native land, 



120 The Consecration Tested. 

he did not know that one Boodhist had been brought 
to the Eternal God. After so long a period, and with 
not one instance of conversion, it may be asked, " Was 
he not disheartened?" His own words at this time 
will show: "You want to hear of some poor, be- 
nighted Burman brought to taste that the Lord is gra- 
cious, but O, not more than I want to speak of it. I 
hope, I do hope, my dear sir, that we shall both one 
day be gratified."* 

Thus was our missionary's consecration tested. Af- 
ter trials in various forms we find him humble, believ- 
ing, and hopeful. "Well did he in these first years 
approve himself as a minister of God, "in much pa- 
tience, in aflSiictions, in necessities, in distresses." 

* Letter to Dr. Sllughton. 



FRUITS OF TRUTH AND DESPOTISM. 

"A great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are 
many adversaries. — 1 Corinthians xvi. 9. 

THE faith of our missionary, which the previous 
chapter shows, God had allowed to be proved by 
so long a period in which no evidence of success could 
be remarked, we have seen suffered no diminution with 
the lapse of years. His "sole object on earth" was 
still '^ to introduce the religion of Jesus Christ into the 
empire of Burmah." Though many would have been 
discouraged, he felt impelled to adopt fresh measures 
to diffuse the good seed of the kingdom. 

The means of evangelization on which he placed reli- 
ance were " translating, printing, and distributing the 
Holy Scriptures, preaching the Gospel, circulating re- 
ligious tracts, and promoting the instruction of native 
children."* 

The first of these instrumentalities it was his privi- 
lege to employ to some extent in the years 1817 and 
1818. He had hoped to employ the second, in connec- 
tion with the first, in the latter year, but his lengthened 
absence prevented the realization of his purpose. It 
was not till 1819 that he was able to undertake this im- 
portant work. In the beginning of that year, as already 
seen, he devoted much time to the erection of a zayat, 
trusting that under its shelter he would have the privi- 

* Articles of agreement, adopted by Messrs. Judson and Hough, 1816 

6 



122 Fkuits of Truth and Despotism. 

lege of prosecuting his labors in this department."^ In 
erecting the building it was his delight to contemplate 
the results which might, with the Divine blessing, be 
identified with it. In a letter to Dr. Bolles he thus 
wrote: '^ And should this zayat prove to be a Chris- 
tian meeting-house, the first erected in this land of 
atheists for the worship of God — a house where Bur- 
mans, who now deny the very existence of Deity, shall 
assemble to adore the majesty of heaven, and to sing 
with hearts of devotion the praises of the incarnate 
Saviour But the thought seems too great to be re- 
alized. Can this darkness be removed ? Can these dry 
bones live ? On thee, Jesus, all our hopes depend. 
In thee all power is vested, even power to make sinful 
creatures instrumental in enlightening the heathen." 

The humble building thus erected was situated on 
one of the public roads, which, on account of its being 
lined on both sides with pagodas, is called Pagoda 
Road. Some two miles beyond is the Shway Dagon 
pagoda, which, being believed to contain six or eight 
hairs of Gaudama, is considered the most sacred in the 
country.f As the zayat was thus in the way of wor- 

* As some of our readers may not have a clear conception of a zayat, 
we insert a description of this building as given by Mrs. Wheelock at 
the time it was erecting. " A zayat somewhat resembles an American 
shed, and is made of bamboos. The one now building will be much 
cooler, and better than the generality of zayats. It is to be made partly 
of bamboos, the top only covered with leaves." It was divided in three 
parts. The first division, which was one third of the whole, was open 
to the road, and set apart for occupancy by Mr. Judson, for conversa- 
tion with passers-by. The more central division was made entirely of 
boards, being intended for worship on the Sabbath, and for a school con- 
ducted by Mrs. Judson during the week. The third division was a sort 
of entry-way leading to the mission-house, situated in the rear, and 
facing on another road. 

t As the festivals connected with this pagoda will be found referred 




GREAT PAGODA AT RANGOON. 



Feuits of Tetjth and Despoiism. 123 

shipers, it was reasonable to hope that many would 
call and listen to the word of life. 

With the 4th day of April, a new and, Mr. Judson 
hoped, " important era" in the mission was commenced 
by the opening of the new building for public worship. 
A letter to Dr. Baldwin aftords some pleasing inform- 
ation on this subject: 

Rangoon, April 30, 1819. 
Eeverend and dear Sir — You will probably have heard of our 
undertaking to build a zayat, or place of Burman worship, on one of 
the principal roads. We haye had worship in it several Sundays, 
though it was not wholly completed and laid open to the road till 
within a few days. Last Sunday we had an assembly of about thirty, 
many of whom heard with decent attention. During the past week I 
have spent my time on the floor, in the front part of the zayat, receiv- 

to oftentimes in the following pages, a few words concerning the edifice, 
of which also an illustration is given, will be acceptable to our read- 
ers. Mrs. Judson has the following in one of her letters regarding it . 
" To give an accurate description of this noble edifice requires an abler 
pen than mine ; and perhaps a better description of its construction and 
dimensions can not be given than that which Colonel Symmes has given 
of a similar one at Pegu. The beauty and variety of its appendages, 
however, are far superior. After having ascended the flight of steps, 
a large gate opens, when a wild fairy scene is abruptly presented to 
view. It resembles more the description we sometimes have in novels 
of enchanted castles or ancient abbeys in ruins than any thing we ever 
met with in real life. The ground is completely covered with a variety 
of ludicrous objects, which meet the eye in every direction, interspersed 
with the banyan, cocoa-nut, and toddy trees. Here and there are large 
open buildings which contain huge images of Gaudama, sometimes in 
a sitting, sometimes in a sleeping position, surrounded by his priests 
and attendants in the act of worship, or listening to his instructions. 
Before him are erected small altars, on which offerings of fruits, flow- 
ers, etc., are laid. Large images of elephants, lions, angels, and de- 
mons, together with a number of indescribable objects, all assist in fill- 
ing up the picturesque scene. To this pagoda, this monument of folly 
and superstition, the inhabitants of the neighboring towns and villages 
resort once in a year. It is considered peculiarly meritorious to wor- 
ship at this pagoda." 



124 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

ing as many as ca&e in, and preaching to them the Gospel of the king- 
dom. It has indeed been a busy week ; conversing with visitors of all 
sorts, studying occasionally with my teacher, and preparing for the 
approaching Sunday, have completely filled up every hour. I sin- 
cerely hope that it may prove a specimen of many weeks of my re- 
maining life. 

Among the many with whom I have conversed, there are three or 
four instances which are very encouraging, though too premature to 
allow much sanguine expectation. We can not help feeling that God 
has a people in this benighted land, and when one Burman after an- 
other sits down by me and listens attentively to the news of a precious 
Saviour, and comes again and again, this feeling is necessarily strength- 
ened. Mrs. Judson has also recommenced her female meetings, which 
were discontinued during the time of our government difficulties seve- 
ral months ago, and she has lately been much encouraged by some 
promising appearances. We have trials, however, which must be men- 
tioned with our encouragements. We have suffered a severe disap- 
pointment in expecting the aid of our brother Wheelock. The decided 
progress which his disorder (consumption of the lungs) has lately made, 
precludes all hope of his recovery, though he may survive some months. 
The most we can say is, that while he lives there is hope, because in 
this disorder a person sometimes recovers after he has been given up 
by all his friends.* Thus we feel very weak. We look to God for help 
and strength, and we know that He can make his strength perfect in 
our weakness. Yours, respectfully, 

A. Judson. 

According to Mr, Jud son's journal, his daily teach- 
ing in the zayat commenced Lord's day, April 25th. 
He states: "I took my seat on the floor in the open 
porch, under some solemn impression of the great re- 
sponsibility attached to my new mode of life." On 
this first day a young man strolled into the zayat, on 
whose mind his words seemed to take considerable 

* Mr. Wheelock continued to decline in health, and left Rangoon in 
August, 1819, for Calcutta, in the hope that medical assistance might 
be obtained which would prove the means of restoring him. His dis- 
ease, however, had made great progress, and speedily affected his 
brain. After a delirium of several days he threw himself overboard, 
and the vessel was at the time making such headway that it was im- 
possible to take measures for his rescue sufficiently soon to be of avail. 



Fruits of Tetth and Despotism. 125 

hold; and as he was " ready to drink in the truth with- 
out the numberless cavils and objections which are so 
common among the Burmans," our missionary writes, 
^'I feel considerable attachment to this young man, 
and my heart goes forth to the mercy-seat in behalf 
of liis precious soul." During the week, on the day 
the above letter was written to Dr. Baldwin, he visited 
the zayat again, and seemed desirous of hearing as 
"much as possible about religion." This was an 
agreeable surprise. "Several others," he writes, "came 
and went." 

Among those who " came and went," and excited 
so little remark as to occasion no record in Mr. Jud- 
son's journal, was one concerning whom his hopes of 
good in Burmah were soon to be realized. The first 
entry respecting him in the journal is on May 1st: 
" Bur man day of worship ; of course many visitors ; 
among the rest, Moung^ ]N^au, a man who was with me 
several hours yesterday, but, from his silence and re- 
serve, excited little attention or hope. To-day, how- 
ever, I begin to think better of him." On the Lord's 
day following, this quiet and modest inquirer was pres- 
ent at worship, and three days after. May 5th, the 
journal bears the following: "I begin to think that 
the grace of God has reached his heart. He expresses 
sentiments of repentance for his sins, and faith in the 
Saviour. The substance of his profession is, that from 
the darknesses, and uncleannesses, and sins of his 
whole life, he has found no other Saviour but Jesus 
Christ — nowhere else can he look for salvation ; and 
therefore he proposes to adhere to Christ, and w^orship 
him all his life long. It seems almost too much to be- 

* " Moung' is a title used to designate a young or middle-aged man. 



126 Fkuits of Teuth and Despotism. 

lieve that God has begun to manifest his grace to the 
Burmans, but this day I could not resist the delightful 
conviction that this is really the case. Pkaise and 

GLOKY BE TO HIS NAME FOREVEEMORE. AmeU." 

The next day these hopes were confirmed. He 
writes : " Moung Xau was again with me a great part 
of the day. He appears to be slowly growing in reli- 
gious knowledge, and manifests a teachable, humble 
spirit, ready to believe all that Christ has said, and 
obey all that he has commanded. He is thirty-five 
years old ; no family, middling abilities, quite poor, 
obliged to work for his living, and therefore his com- 
ing day after day to hear the ^ruth afibrds stronger 
evidence that it has taken hold of his mind. May the 
Lord gi*aciously lead his dark mind into all the truth, 
and cause him to cleave inviolably to the blessed 
Saviour." 

About a week afterward, this humble convert de- 
clared himself a disciple of Christ, in presence of a con- 
siderable number of persons, and so strongly was he 
grounded in the principles of the Gospel, that May 
15th the journal contains the following : " Moung JSTau 
has been with me all day, as well as yesterday. He 
is anxious to be received into our company, and thinks 
it a great privilege to be the first among the Burmans 
in professing the religion of Jesus Christ. He has 
been told plainly that he has nothing to expect in this 
world but persecution, and perhaps death ; but he 
thinks it better to die for Christ and be happy here- 
after, than to live a few days and be forever wretched. 
All the members of the mission have, at difi'erent 
times, conversed with him, and are satisfied that a 
work of grace is begun in his heart." 

On the 6th of June he applied for baptism, giving, 



Feuits of Truth and Despotism. 127 

in a letter he presented to the members of the mission, 
an admirable summary of Christian faith and hope. 
On Lord's day, June 2Yth, "after the usual course 
of Burman worship in the afternoon, and some addi- 
tional exercises suited to the occasion," Mr. Judson 
says, " we proceeded to a large tank (artificial pond) 
in the vicinity, and there, just by an enormous image 
of Gaudama, which seemed to scowl on the deed, we 
administered the ordinance of Christian baptism to 
the first Burman convert."* 

Thus, before the image of that divinity to whom he 
had often done homage, and in the face of persecution, 
which it was believed was certain to follow an espousal 
of the new religion, did Moung ]N'au make a profession 
in which more eloquently than with the tongue he 
seemed to say, "What have I to do any more with 
idols?" Well might our missionary write: "O may 
it prove the beginning of a series of baptisms in the 
Burman Empire which shall continue in uninterrupted 
succession to the end of time !" 

The following Lord's day fell on the 4th of July, a 
day ever precious to American citizens. Our mission- 
ary rejoiced, doubtless, to think of the privileges of 
his native country, but no allusion to the anniversary 
of freedom occurs in his journal. His mind appears 
to have been occupied with another celebration : " We 
have had the pleasure of sitting down, for the first 
time, to the Lord's table with a converted Burman, 
and it was my privilege — a privilege to which I have 
been looking forward with desire for many years — to 
administer the Lord's Supper in two languages." With 
this pleasing incident he closed his journal for dispatch 

* Letter to one of the editors of the " American Baptist Magazine." 



128 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

to the United States. Probably be never felt so great 
a pleasure in any accounts be sent to tbe board as in 
those which his communication at this time contained. 

During the progress of the case which we have 
watched to so promising a stage, " several hundreds 
heard more or less of the Gospel, and some individ- 
uals," Mr. Judson says, "have been led into a serious 
examination of the Christian religion, and a speculative 
rejection of their own ; but there is no one that gives us 
satisfactory evidence of conversion but Moung ISTau." 

Though no case of conversion could be reported, 
yet in June, Moung Thah-lah appeared very " thought- 
ful and teachable." In a visit to the zayat toward the 
end of the month, our missionary writes : " On being 
asked the state of his mind, he replied, with some feel- 
ing, that he and all men were sinners, and exposed to 
future punishment; that according to the Boodhist 
system, there was no way of pardon ; but that accord- 
ing to the religion which I taught, there was not only 
a way of pardon, but a way of enjoying endless happi- 
ness in heaven ; and that, therefore, he wanted to 
believe in Christ. I stated to him, as usual, that he 
must think much on the love of Chiist, and pray to 
God for an enlightened and loving heart, and then 
gave him a form of prayer suited to his case." About 
a month after, Mr. Judson had some conversation with 
him on his spiritual state, which indicated his desire 
to believe and embrace Christianity ; but he was filled 
with fears that his weakness and sinfulness incapaci- 
tated him for keeping its holy precepts as becomes a 
professed disciple. A month after, having in the in- 
terim had many conversations with him, Mr. Judson 
was "almost settled" in his mind that he was really 
a renewed man, and August 24th, in his journal, we 



Fkuits of Trcjth and Despotism. 129 

have the record : "Another conversation with Moung 
Thah-lah, which at length forces me to admit the con- 
viction that he is a real convert ; and I venture to set 
him down the second disciple of Christ among the 
Burmans. He appears to have all the characteristics 
of a new-born soul, and though rather timid in regard 
to an open profession, has, I feel satisfied, that love to 
Christ which will increase and bring him forward in 
due time." A knowledge of the intolerant character 
of the government was suflicient at all times to awaken 
fear. At this time a new king having recently taken 
the throne, who was reported more favorable to Boodh- 
ism than his predecessor, there was reason to believe 
that those who made a renunciation of the established 
religion could scarcely evade persecution. The fear 
of this proved a great check to religious inquiry. 

While Mr. Judson had sat in that part of the zayat 
opening to the road, to teach the people, Mrs. Judson 
had been within engaged in the work of instruction as 
connected with a school. The oldest member of this 
school, by name Moung Byaa, was the next person 
concerning whose conversion our missionary could en- 
tertain hope. This man, being unable to attend school 
by day, had come by night to learn to read. The first 
thing he read without spelling was the catechism, which 
he committed to memory as he read it. He soon began 
more particularly to inquire concerning Christianity, 
and at length obtained such evangelical discoveries^ 
and received the humbling truths of the Gospel in a 
manner which encouraged the hope that the Spirit of 
God had begun to teach him. Moung Ing also about 
this time gave evidence of anxiety for religious knowl- 
edge, and our missionary was induced to believe a 
work of grace was begun in his soul, 

6-^ 



130 FsuiTS OF Truth and Despotism. 

In all these cases Mr. Judson was very particular to 
exalt tlie Bible as the only authority for the guidance 
of those who desired to be the disciples of Christ. He 
did not wish to teach dogmatically the smallest part 
of Christian duty. An incident which shows this 
beautiful trait of character may be recorded concern- 
ing the two converts just referred to. At the time of 
their conversion persecution was anticipated, and in 
October they requested to be baptized, but in '''- pri- 
vate.'^'' So dark was the cloud resting over the mission, 
that Mrs. Judson wrote at the time : '' Instead of won- 
dering that they were desirous of being baptized in 
private, we felt it was a strong evidence in their favor 
that they should desire baptism at all under existing 
circumstances." Mr. Judson, however, advised them, 
" as they had so little love to Christ as not to dare to 
die for his cause, to wait and reconsider the matter." 
A few days after, they again presented their request 
for baptism. The memorial they submitted has the 
following for its concluding paragraph : " On search- 
in the ScEiPTURES for ancient rules and customs, it does 
not appear that John and other baptizers administered 
baptism at an}^ particular time, or day, or hour. "W"e 
therefore venture to beg of the two teachers"' that they 
will grant that on the 6th day of the wane of the Tau- 
zoungmong moon (N"ovember 7th), at six o'clock at 
night, we may this once receive baptism at their 
hands." This application was not made in vain. Mr. 
Judson writes : " We spent some hours in again dis- 
cussing the subject with them and with one another. 
We felt satisfied that they were humble disciples of 
Jesus, and were desirous of receiving this ordinance 

* Mr. Colman was at this time associated with Mr. Judson. 



Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 131 

purely out of regard to his command, and their own 
spiritual welfare ; we felt that we were all equally ex- 
posed to danger, and needed a spirit of mutual candor, 
and forbearance, and sympathy ; we were convinced 
that they were influenced rather by desires of avoiding 
unnecessary exposure, than by that sinful fear which 
would plunge them into apostasy in the hour of trial ; 
and when they assured us that, if actually brought be- 
fore government, they could not think of denying 
their Saviour, we could not conscientiously refuse their 
request, and therefore agreed tD have them baptized 
to-morrow, at sunset." 

In accordance with this resolution, on the following 
day, being the first Sabbath in November, " about half 
an hour before sunset, the two candidates came to the 
zayat, accompanied by three or four of their friends ; 
and after a short prayer," Mr, Judson writes, " we pro- 
ceeded to the spot where Moung Nau was formerly 
baptized. The sun was not allowed to look upon 
the humble, timid profession. 'No wondering crowd 
crowned the overshadowing hill. ISTo hymn of praise 
expressed the exultant feelings of joyous hearts. Still- 
ness and solemnity pervaded the scene. We felt, on 
the banks of the water, as a little, feeble, solitary band ; 
but perhaps some hovering angels took note of the 
event with more interest than they witnessed the late 
coronation ; perhaps Jesus looked down on us, pitied 
and forgave our weaknesses, and marked us for his 
own ; perhaps, if we deny him not, he will acknowl- 
edge us another day, more publicly than we ventm-e 
at present to acknowledge him." 

On the 10th of l^ovember a prayer-meeting was 
held by Mr. Judson and his Burman converts, and the 
following Lord's day the " three Gormerts repai/red to the 



132 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

zayat cmd held a prayer-meeting of their own accord P^ 
Thus did tlie working of Divine principles in those 
who were the first fruits of Burmah to Christ cheer the 
heart of the missionary. 

But he was to see other fruits. Though for sev- 
eral months after the opening of the zayat the gov- 
ernment manifested no decided hostility, yet the fear 
of its interference had occasioned him great dis- 
quietude. On the 1st of November he vacated this 
building, having begun to query whether it was pru- 
dent to go on boldly in proclaiming a new religion, 
at the hazard of incensing the government, and draw- 
ing down such persecution as might deter all who 
knew him from inquiry. The immediate reason for 
the adoption of this course was the attitude of opposi- 
tion assumed by the viceroy, in the case of a teacher 
of considerable distinction, named Moung Shwa-gnong. 
This man commenced visiting the zayat in August, and 
though at first he seemed " a complete Proteus in reli- 
gion," yet afterward he became evidently very favor- 
able to Christianity. But the great adversary was not 
ready to yield a man of his abilities to Christ without 
stirring up opposition. " Soon after he began to man- 
ifest an open attachment to us," Mr. Judson writes, 
"Satan became unusually disturbed, and sent one of 
his faithful servants to the viceroy with a complaint 
that our friend had renounced the religion of his coun- 
try. The viceroy said, ' Inquire further ;' and this por- 
tentous sentence, implying that a renunciation of the 
established religion would not pass with impunity, car- 
ried such terror to the heart of our poor ISTicodemus, 
that he directly fled to his accuser and almost forsook 
us. This little circumstance, strange as it may seem 
to one living under a free government, spread dismay 



Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 133 

among all our acquaintance ; and for above a month 
we have been nearly deserted by all, except those who 
have actually joined us.""^ 

In addition to the viceroy's opposition, as shown in 
the affair just narrated, about the same time he mani- 
fested his dislike to the missionaries. The following 
record from Mr. Judson's journal affords an instance : 

'' November 26. — On taking our usual ride this morn- 
ing, to bathe in the mineral tank, we were accosted, 
on one of the pagoda roads, by the Mangen teacher, 
and peremptorily forbidden to ride there in future on 
pain of being beaten. On our return we inquired into 
the affair, and find that the viceroy has really issued 
an order, at the instigation of this teacher, that hence- 
forth no person wearing a hat, shoes, or umbrella, or 
mounted on a horse, shall approach within the sacred 
ground belonging to the great pagoda, which ground 
extends on some sides half a mile, and comprises all 
the principal roads ; so that in future we must take a 
circuitous route in the woods, if we wish to visit our 
usual place of resort. This consideration, however, is 
very trifling, compared with another. The viceroy's 
order is quite unprecedented in Rangoon, and indicates 
a state of feeling on the subject of religion very unfa- 
vorable to our missionary designs." 

Under the previous monarch, missionaries had less 
to fear, because of his known dislike to the Boodhist 
priests, toward whom he had " frequently manifested 
his sentiments in such acts of persecution as kept the 
religion in a low and declining state. On his death the 
hopes of the priests and their adherents began to re- 
vive, and every discovery of the new emperor's friendly 

* Letter to Dr. Baldwin, December 9th, 1819. 



134 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

disposition tended to restore the religions establishment 
of the conntry to its former privileges and rank."* 

As a conseqnence of his inflnence, the devout through- 
out the land were mad on their idols, and the erection 
of pagodas and the worship of Gaudama occupied 
more attention than ever. " In a word," says Mr. Jud- 
son in a letter to Dr. Baldwin, "such is the state of 
things, that though there are many, I am certain, who 
have some desire to inquire further into the Christian 
religion, they are afraid to come near us." 

The course deemed expedient in this posture of 
affairs he unfolds in the same letter : " Brother Col- 
man and myself have therefore concluded to follow 
your advice, by going up to Ava, and laying our 
business before the monarch. We have some hope 
that the Lord will incline him to hold out to us the 
golden scepter, like another Ahasuerus, and become a 
protector of the infant cause. But it is almost too 
great a favor to hope for. And yet this favor we must 
obtain, or relinquish some of our dearest and most sa- 
cred, hopes. O what a trying case! 'None can know 
or experience the uncertainties and anxieties of our 
present situation. But we sometimes rest on the Sa- 
viour, and derive sweet consolation from the assurance 
that our Jesus will do all things well." 

.The views Mr. Judson entertained on this subject 
are further exhibited in a joint letter, sent to the cor- 
responding secretary, by Mr. Colman and himself; 
"By this proceeding we hope to discover the real feel- 
ings and sentiments of the emperor. We hope to as- 
certain, as distinctly as possible, whether he is devo- 
ted to Boodhism, or has imbibed in any degree the 

* Letter to Dr. Staughton. 



Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 185 

opinions of his grandfatlier, and disguises tliem at pres- 
ent from motives of policy merely. If the former be 
the case, he will prohibit our missionary work, and we 
shall be under the necessity of leaving his dominions. 
K the latter be the case, and he be, in any measure, 
pleased with the Christian system, he will, we hope, 
give us at least such private encouragement as will en- 
able us to prosecute our work without incurring the 
charge of rashness and enthusiasm." 

The purpose of going to the '' golden feet" was not 
a sudden thought. More than two years before it 
was the subject of correspondence with Mr. Judson's 
American friends, and his course in this matter was 
indorsed by the parties under whom he acted as man- 
ifesting " a prudence which the board can not but com- 
mend," and " a resolution which, unsupported by the 
principles of the Gospel, must have failed." 

There are those who consider this act one of doubt- 
ful propriety. When the tree of life is planted under 
the shadow of worldly power, it is almost certain that 
embarrassments will follow. The circumstances under 
which Mr. Judson resolved to visit the golden feet, 
were, however, very peculiar. His case has no paral- 
lel in the apostolic records. If persecuted as the apos- 
tles were, his course would have been clear ; but no 
man had scourged or imprisoned him, and none had 
forbidden him to speak in the name of Jesus. His 
simple difficulty was, that he could not make known the 
Gospel ; for the people, terror-stricken by the thought of 
exposing themselves to the vengeance of the ruling pow- 
ers, were afraid to listen to his words. If an appeal to a 
ruler for relief from an unjust proscription necessarily 
admits his right to inflict or continue it, the course 
comm-only pursued by Christian men has been very er- 



136 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

roneous. With such a view, the nonconformists of 
Great Britain ought never to have presented petitions 
for the removal of disabilities connected with dissent ; 
and Roger Williams, though called the apostle of re- 
ligious liberty, must have been ignorant of its first 
principles ; otherwise he would not have remonstrated 
with the general court on the subject of its intolerance. 
In India, at the beginning of the present century, the 
philological attainments of Dr. Carey secured him con- 
siderable influence, and he was sometimes successful 
in obtaining liberty for missionaries to settle in the 
company's territories ; but it can scarcely be thought 
that when he made such applications he implied any 
right on the part of the company to countermand their 
commission to disciple all nations. It was owing, in 
great measure, to the petitions which the Christian pub- 
lic of Great Britain presented to Parliament, that the 
intolerance of the East India Company was overcome. 
Have our missionaries been wrong in using liberties 
thus ''asked" for? 

Whatever opinions may be entertained concerning 
the course Mr. Judson and his colleague adopted, all 
will admire the spirit they manifested. Their joint let- 
ter, announcing their purpose to go to the golden feet, 
has the following: "In approaching the throne, we 
desire to have a simple dependence on the presence 
and power of our Saviour, and a single eye to his 
glory. We have, indeed, no other ground of hope ; we 
ought to have no other view. We trust that, if the 
set time to favor Burmah is come. He who is wonder- 
ful in counsel and excellent in working will open a 
wide and effectual door for the promulgation of divine 
truth. But if the Lord has other purposes, it becomes 
us meekly to acquiesce, and willingly to sacrifice our 



Fruits of Teuth and Despotism. 137 

dearest hopes to the Divine wilL We rest assured 
that, in either case, the perfections of God will be dis- 
played, and desire to be thankful that we are allowed 
to be in any way instrumental in contributing to that 
display." 

Mr. Judson and his associate embarked December 
21st. Among the company on board the boat, which 
numbered sixteen besides themselves, were two of the 
native converts. Moung Shwa-gnong, who had been 
invited to accompany them, declined ; but ''just as we 
were pushing off," writes Mr. Judson, " we saw his 
tall form standing on the wharf. He raised his hand 
to his head, and bade us adieu, and continued looking 
after the boat until a projecting point shut Kangoon 
and all its scenes from our view." 

Thus losing sight of the town where he had so long 
labored, our missionary gave expression to his thoughts 
and desires in the following very touching language : 
" When shall we redouble this little point ? Through 
what shall we pass ere the scene now snatched away 
be re-presented? The expedition on which we have 
entered, however it may terminate, is nnavoidably 
fraught with consequences monientous and solemn be- 
yond all conception. We are penetrating into the 
heart of one of the great kingdoms of the world, to 
make a formal offer of the Gospel to a despotic mon- 
arch, and through him to the millions of his subjects. 
May the Lord accompany us, and crown our attempt 
with the desired success, if it be consistent with his 
wise and holy will." 

The Irrawaddy was known to be greatly infested with 
robbers, but though on the way our missionaries heard 
of depredations and murders committed by them, they 
escaped all attacks. Some of the places they passed 



138 Fkuits of Truth and Despotism. 

greatly interested them. Concerning the city of Pu- 
gan Mr. Judson made the following record in his 
jom-nal : 

'-'-Januai^ 18. — Took a survey of the splendid pagodas 
and extensive ruins in the environs of this once famous 
city. Ascended as far as possible some of the highest 
edifices, and at the height of one hundred feet, perhaps, 
beheld all the country round covered with temples and 
monuments of every sort and size ; some in utter ruin, 
some fast decaying, and some exhibiting marks of re- 
cent attention and repair. The remains of the ancient 
wall of the city stretched beneath us. The pillars of 
the gates, and many a grotesque, decapitated relic of 
antiquity, checkered the motley scene. All conspired 
to suggest those elevated and mournful ideas which are 
attendant on a view of the decaying remains of ancient 
grandeur; and though not comparable to such ruins 
as those of Palm3'ra and Balbec (as they are repre- 
sented), still deeply interesting to the antiquary, and 
more deeply interesting to the Christian missionary. 
Here, about eight hundred years ago, the religion of 
Boodh was first publicly recognized and established as 
the religion of the empire. Here, then, Ah-rah-han, 
the first Boodhist apostle of Burmah, under the pat- 
ronage of King Anan-ra-tha-men-zan, disseminated the 
doctrines of atheism, and taught his disciples to pant 
after annihilation as the supreme good. Some of the 
ruins before our eyes were probably the remains of pa- 
godas designed by himself. We looked back on the 
centuries of darkness that are past. We looked for- 
ward, and Christian hope would fain brighten the 
prospect. Perhaps w^e stand on the dividing line of 
the empires of darkness and light. O shade of Ah- 
rah-han, weep over thy falling fanes ; retire from the 



Feuits of Truth and Despotism. 139 

scenes of tlij past greatness. But thou smilest at my 
feeble voice. Linger, then, tlij little remaining day. 
A voice mightier than mine, a still, small voice, will 
ere long sweep away every vestige of thy dominion. 
The churches of Jesus will soon supplant these idola- 
trous monuments, and the chanting of the devotees of 
Boodh will die away before the Christian hymn of 
praise." 

Mr. Jadson arrived at Amarapoora January 25th, 
1820. Two days after, Mr. Colman and himself ob- 
tained an audience with his majesty. The impressions 
and events of this presentation at court are described 
in Mr. Judson's journal: "The spacious extent of the 
hall, the number and magnitude of the pillars, the 
height of the dome, the whole completely cot jred with 
gold, presented a most grand and imposing spectacle. 
Yery few were present, and those evidently great offi- 
cers of state. Our situation prevented us from seeing 
the farther avenue of the hall ; but the end where we 
sat opened into the parade, which the emperor was 
about to inspect. We remained about five minutes, 
when every one put himself into the most respectful 
attitude, and Moung Yo whispered that his majesty 
had entered. "We looked through the hall as far as 
the pillars would allow, and presently caught sight of 
this modern Ahasuerus. He came forward unattended, 
in solitary grandeur, exhibiting the proud gait and 
majesty of an Eastern monarch. His dress was rich, 
but not distinctive, and he carried in his hand the 
gold- sheathed sword, which seems to have taken the 
place of the scepter of ancient times. But it was his 
high aspect and commanding eye that chiefly riveted 
our attention. He strided on. Every head excepting 
ours was now in the dust. We remained kneeling, 



140 Fkuits of Truth and Despotism. 

our hands folded, our eyes fixed on the monarch. 
When he drew near, we caught his attention. He 
stopped, partly turned toward us — ' Who are these V 
'The teachers, great king,' I replied. 'What, you 
speak Burman — the priests that I heard of last night V 
' When did you arrive V ' Are you teachers of reli- 
gion ?' ' Are you like the Portuguese priest ?' 'Are 
you married?' 'Why do you dress so?' These and 
some other similar questions we answered, when he 
appeared to be pleased with us, and sat down on an 
elevated seat, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, 
and his eyes intently fixed on us. Moung Zah now 
began to read the petition, and it ran thus : 

" ' The American teachers present themselves to 
receive the favor of the excellent king, the sovereign 
of land and sea. Hearing that, on account of the 
greatness of the royal power, the royal country was in 
a quiet and prosperous state, we arrived at the town 
of Rangoon, within the royal dominions, and having 
obtained leave of the governor of that town to come 
up and behold the golden face, we have ascended and 
reached the bottom of the golden feet. In the great 
country of America we sustain the character of teachers 
and explainers of the contents of the sacred Scriptures 
of our religion. And since it is contained in those 
Scriptures, that, if we pass to other countries, and 
preach and propagate religion, great good will result, 
and both those who teach and those who receive the 
religion will be freed from future punishment, and 
enjoy, without decay or death, the eternal felicity of 
heaven ; that royal permission be given that we, taking 
refuge in the royal power, may preach our religion in 
these dominions, and that those who are pleased with 
our preaching, and wish to listen to and be guided by 



Feitits of Truth and Despotism. 141 

it, whether foreigners or Burmans, may be exempt 
from govei'nment molestation^ thej present themselves 
to receive the favor of the excellent king, the sover- 
eign of land and sea.' 

" The emperor heard this petition, and stretched out 
his hand. Moung Zah crawled forward and presented 
it. His majesty began at the top, and deliberately 
read it through. In the mean time I gave Moung Zah 
an abridged copy of the tract, in which every offensive 
sentence was corrected, and the whole put into the 
handsomest style and dress possible. After the em 
peror had perused the petition, he handed it back with 
out saying a word, and took the tract. Our hearts 
now rose to God for a display of his grace. ' Oh, have 
mercy on Burmah ! Have mercy on her king !' But, 
alas ! the time was not yet come. He held the tract 
long enough to read the first two sentences, which 
assert that there is one eternal God, who is independent 
of the incidents of mortality, and that besides him, 
there is no God ; and then, with an air of indifference, 
perhaps disdain, he dashed it down to the ground. 
Moung Zah stooped forward, picked it up, and handed 
it to us. Moung To made a slight attempt to save us 
by unfolding one of the volumes,* which composed 
our present, and displaying its beauty; but his majesty 



* No person is authorized to appear in the presence of the emperor 
without a present. This was a cause of considerable perplexity to the 
missionaries before leaving Rangoon. Mr. Judson says : " Our funds 
were evidently inadequate to the purchase of articles which would be 
valuable to him in a pecuniary point of view : when we considered, 
also, that there ought to be a congruity between the present and 
our character, we selected that book which we hoped to be allowed to 
translate under his patronage, the Bible, in six volumes, covered with 
gold leaf, in Burman style, and each volume inclosed in a rich wrap- 
per. 



142 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

took no notice. Our fate was decided. After a few 
moments, Moung Zah interpreted his royal master's 
will in the following terms : ' Why do you ask for 
such permission ? Have not the Portuguese, the En- 
glish, the Mussulmans, and people of all other religions, 
full liberty to practice and worship according to their 
own customs? In regard to the objects of your petition, 
his majesty gives no order. In regard to your sacred 
books, his majesty has no use for them : take them 
away.' 

" Something was now said about brother Colman's 
skill in medicine ; upon which the emperor once more 
opened his mouth, and said : 'Let them proceed to the 
residence of my physician, the Portuguese priest ; let 
him examine whether they can be useful to me in that 
line, and report accordingly.' He then rose from his 
seat, strided on to the end of the hall, and there, after 
having dashed to the ground the first intelligence that 
he had ever received of the eternal God, his Maker, 
his Preserver, his Judge, he threw himself down on a 
cushion, and lay listening to the music, and gazing at 
the parade spread out before him. As for us and our 
present, we were huddled up and hurried away without 
much ceremony." 

The next day Mr. Judson and his colleague, accom- 
panied by a European resident, had an interview with 
the great minister of state. Successive arguments in 
favor of toleration were addressed to him without avail, 
and thoroughly satisfied of the hopelessness of their 
cause they left his presence. "It was now evening. 
"We had," Mr. Judson writes, "four miles to walk by 
moonlight. Two of our disciples only followed us. 
They had ventured as near as they durst to the door 
of the hall of audience, and listened, to words which 



Fkuits of Teuth and Despotism. 143 

sealed the extinction of their hope and om*s. For some 
time we spoke not ; 

" ' Some natural tears we dropped, but wiped them soon ; 
The world was all before us, where to choose 
Our place of rest, and Providence our guide.' 

And as our first parents took their solitary walk through 
Eden, hand in hand, so we took our way through this 
great city, which, to our late imagination, seemed an- 
other Eden, but now, through the magic touch of dis- 
appointment, seemed blasted and withered, as if smitten 
by the fatal influence of the cherubic sword." 

After two days' suspense, in which other expedients 
were employed with the hope that the minister of state 
might be moved to a more favorable consideration, 
they received, through the gentleman who accompanied 
them on their visit to him, the intelligence that there 
was not the least probability of obtaining the object 
they sought, " should they wait ever so long." 

The same day another European whom they visited 
related to them the following story: "About fifteen 
years ago the Roman Catholic priests converted to 
their faith a Burman teacher of talents and distinction. 
They took great pains to indoctrinate him thoroughly 
in their religion, and entertained great hope of his use- 
fulness in their cause. After his return from Eome, 
whither they had sent him to complete his Christian 
education, he was accused by his nephew, a clerk in 
the high court of the empire, of having renounced the 
established religion. The emperor, who, it must be 
remembered, was far from approving the religion of 
Boodh, ordered that he should be compelled to recant. 
The nephew seized his uncle, cast him into prison and 
fetters, caused him to be beaten and tortured continu- 



144: Fkuits of Truth and Despotism. 

ally, and at length had recourse to the torture of the 
iron mall. With this instrument he was gradually 
beaten from the ends of his feet up to his breast, until 
his body was little else but one livid wound. Mr. R. 
was one of those that stood by and gave money to the 
executioners to induce them to strike gently. At every 
blow the sufferer pronounced the name of Christ, and 
declared afterward that he felt little or no pain. When 
he was at the point of death, under the hands of his 
tormentors, some persons who pitied his case went to 
the emperor with a statement that he was a madman, 
and knew not what he was about ; on which the em- 
peror gave orders for his release. The Portuguese took 
him away, concealed him until he was able to move, 
then sent him privately in a boat to Rangoon, and 
thence by ship to Bengal, where he finished his days." 

Daring even as Romish priests have often proved, 
this fearful illustration of Burman intolerance caused 
them to cease all efforts in the way of proselyting. 
Though there were four in Burmah when Mr. Judson 
visited the king, they confined their labors to their own 
flocks, composed of the descendants of Portuguese and 
other foreign residents of former times. 

Other particulars showed Mr. Judson that there was 
no probability of his obtaining his desire. The man 
who accused his uncle he found was the very first of 
the private ministers, taking rank before the one with 
whom the interview had been held. At the same time 
he learned that the chief queen, who had great influ- 
ence with his majesty, had ever been particularly at- 
tached to the religion and priests of Boodh. Even 
while he remained at Amarapora the priests from the 
villages surrounding the capital were feasted in the 
royal palace, and a hundred new priests, some of whom 



Fkuits of Truth and Despotism. 145 

were sons of noblemen, were made. '' Sucli a public 
av'owal," Mr. Colman wrote, "of the favorable dispo- 
sition of the government toward the Boodhist religion 
had not been made for twenty years past." 

Having received proof after proof of Biirman intol- 
erance, the missionaries determined as speedily as pos- 
sible to return to Rangoon. They experienced some 
detention in obtaining a passport; but this being grant- 
ed, on the 6th of February they began to descend the 
Irrawaddy. At Prome they met with the teacher, 
Moung Shwa-gnong, who had come up from Rangoon 
to visit a sick acquaintance. To him they related " the 
distressing result of their expedition, and the present 
danger of propagating or professing the religion of 
Christ, and wound otf with the story of the iron mall." 
These accounts affected him far less than the mission- 
aries expected, and after a long conversation, Mr. Jud- 
son was led to the belief that he had made some pro- 
gress in spiritual things. 

Finding themselves placed in a position of so much 
peril, and judging by previous experience that the 
people would probably be altogether afraid to visit 
them, or hear any thing concerning Christianity, they 
had come to the reluctant conclusion that it was their 
duty to seek a field of labor beyond the reach of Bur- 
man despotism. Nevertheless, Mr. Judson could not 
bring his mind to the consideration of this course with 
satisfaction ; and having found how earnestly Moung 
Shwa-gnong, to whom he gave a hint of their purpose, 
protested against it, his faith began to view the sub- 
ject in new aspects. "Perhaps," says his journal, " on 
arriving in Rangoon, we shall find the disciples firm, 
and some others seriously inquiring. Perhaps we shall 
discover some appearances of a movement of the Di- 

7 



146 Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 

vine Spirit. Perhaps the Lord Jesus has a few chosen 
ones whom he intends to call in, under the most unpro- 
pitious and forbidding circumstances. Perhaps he in- 
tends to show that it is not by might, nor by power, 
but by his Spirit. In a word, perhaps, in the last ex- 
tremity, God will help us. Ought we, then, hastily to 
forsake the place? Ought we to desert those of the 
disciples that we can not take with us, and some others 
for whom, perhaps, Christ died, in such an interesting 
crisis of their fate ? Would it be rashness to endeavor 
to trust in God and maintain the post, though disal- 
lowed by government and exposed to persecution? 
But again : can we bear to see our dear disciples in 
prison, in fetters, under torture? Can we stand by 
them, and encourage them to bear patiently the rage 
of their persecutors? Are we willing to participate 
with them? Though the spirit may be sometimes al- 
most willing, is not the flesh too weak? Pondering 
on such topics as these, a little ray of hope seemed to 
shine out of the darkness of our despair. But it was 
not like the soft beam of the moon, which kindly shines 
on the path of the benighted pilgrim and guides him 
to a place of shelter. It was rather like the angry 
gleam of lightning, which, w^iile for a moment it illu- 
mines the landscape around, discloses the black mag- 
azines of heaven's artillery, and threatens death to the 
unwary gazer." 

Twelve days after leaving Ava they redoubled the 
little point which had formerly hidden Eangoon from 
their view. When passed before, hope had occupied 
their minds ; but it had now vanished. The expedition, 
"fraught with consequences momentous and solemn 
beyond all conception," had terminated. They were 
no longer in doubt. The " desired success" had not 



Fruits of Truth axd Despotism. 147 

been granted them, and most gloomy were the tidings 
they had to communicate to their beloved companions. 
The course which Mr. Jndson and his associate were 
led to adopt, after their arrival in Rangoon, and the 
unexpected indications of good there discovered, the 
following letter, addressed to Dr. Baldwin, will show : 

Rangoon, March 16, 1820. 
Reverend and dear Sir — The important interview with the em- 
peror is past. The result is most unfavorable. His majesty refused 
our petition, and sent us away from his capital. " No toleration to 
any foreign religion," is the standing policy of the Burman government. 
Every Burman subject who renounces the established religion of the 
empire is liable to imprisonment, torture, and death. The three bap- 
tized converts, however, remain remarkably firm and attached to the 
cause. After our return to Rangoon they entreated us not to leave 
thera at once without making some further trial. They thought that 
the case was not quite desperate ; that some others would yet investi- 
gate and embrace the religion of Jesus Christ, though it was proscribed 
by the monarch. " At least," said they, " stay until a little church of 
ten is collected, and a native teacher set over it, and then, if you must 
go, we will not say nay. In that case we shall not be concerned. This 
religion will spread of itself. The emperor can not stop it." In a few 
days, two or three new ones professed themselves inquirers. The 
teacher, Moung Shwa-gnong, whom I have formerly mentioned, gave 
increasing evidence of having received the grace of God, and a spirit 
of inquiry began to appear among some of his adherents. On hearing 
the entreaties of the disciples, and witnessing these most unexpected 
appearances, we felt that we could not all leave this place at present; 
and yet we felt as deeply that Chittagong, to which we have long 
wished to send aid, must be no longer neglected. A missionary station 
in that place (which, it will be recollected, is contiguous to the Bur- 
man dominions on the west, but subject to the British government) 
appeared increasingly important, as oifering an asylum to the Rangoon 
missionaries and converts in case persecution should become so severe 
as to put a stop to all religious inquiry and missionary efforts. Such 
being the state of things, Brother Colman and I concluded to separate 
for a time — he to make an attempt in Chittagong, and I to make fur- 
ther trial in Rangoon. If the Rangoon station be not tenable, I am to 
repair to Chittagong ; but if, on a few months' trial, it appears to be 
tenable, and that for an indefinite time, Brother Colman, after wel- 
coming to Chittagong one or two missionaries from the board, whom 



148 Fruits of Tetth and Despotism. 

we are now most anxiously expecting, is to rejoin me in Rangoon. 
We are fully confident that the events which have lately happened 
to us will turn out to the furtherance of the Gospel. The ways of God 
are not like the ways of man. It becomes us, not only to acquiesce, 
but to rejoice evermore. 

With the greatest respect and affection, I remain, reverend and dear 
sir, your brother in the Lord, 

A. JuDsoN, Jr. 

The last Lord's day of March was the last Mr. Jud- 
son was permitted to spend with Mr. Colman. He 
wTites in his journal : " We have spent the last evening 
with our very dear brother and sister Colman. They 
expect to embark to-morrow morning. Our parting 
is mournful ; for happy^ uncommonly happy has been 
our past intercourse. Kothing but a sense of duty 
could force the present separation. We hope that it 
will be of short duration, and that we shall soon re- 
unite our labors in Chittagong or Rangoon.* On their 
departure, Mrs. Judson and myself will again be left 
to our former ' loneliness of lot.' In this situation we 
renewedly commend ourselves to the remembrance and 
prayers of the board." Mr. and Mrs. Colman em- 
barked for Chittagong the following day, March 27th. 

This separation may be regarded as the last incident 
of an eventful year. A twelvemonth before, the zayat 
was opened, and new and more decided aggressions 
commenced on the territory of darkness. Since then 
the first-fruits of Burmah to Christ had been gathered. 
Three had already been "buried by baptism," and 
were " walking in newness of life." Others also gave 
indications of conversion. In these proofs of success- 



* This reunion never took place. Mr. Colman went to Chittagong, 
and subsequently labored with much faith and patience at Cox's Ba- 
zaar. The climate of that place was more than usually insalubrioua 
for persons of Anglo-Saxon origin, and he fell a victim to it July 4th, 
1822. 



Fruits of Truth and Despotism. 149 

fill effort Mr. Judson saw that his labor was not in 
vain in the Lord. But he had, nevertheless, causes 
for depression. Barman intolerance had manifested 
itself, and it was now evident that no one could hope 
to be allowed to profess a different religious belief from 
the king. In consequence of a single sentence the 
zayat had been deserted, and the expectation of more 
virulent persecution had caused himself and wife to 
lose the society and assistance of beloved fellow-labor- 
ers. Who at this time could tell how bitter might be 
the experiences of the future? l^evertheless our mis- 
sionary was not disturbed by the suggestions of unbe- 
lief and fear, but was still prepared to abide at his 
post. Mrs. Judson, who, doubtless, well knew his 
mind, wrote at the time to one of her friends : " We 
wish to leave it all with God, who has so often ap- 
peared for us, when we had given up all hope from 
every other quarter. If he has a work for us to do 
here, he will provide ways and means for our contin- 
uance ; or if he has some souls to be gathered in from 
among the Arracanese, through the preaching of the 
Gospel in the Biirman language, he will cause us to 
see clearly that it is our duty to go. We feel it good 
to trust in him, endeavoring to perform present duty, 
and leaving it with him to provide for the future. 
In our present situation we often feel the preciousness 
of this passage : ' Commit thy way unto the Lord ; 
trust also in him ; and he shall bring it to pass.' We 
are enabled to commit our ways to him, and claim 
his promises to direct us. If we know any thing of 
our hearts, we have but one prevailing wish — to live 
and die among the Burmans, either here or elsewhere ; 
and we feel no affliction in this world could equal that 
of being denied this privilege." 



MINGLED EXPERIENCES. 

"As chastened, and not iiilled ; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoic- 
ing." — 2 Cob. vi. 10. 

IN re-commencing missionary work after his repulse 
at court, Mr. Judson deemed it desirable to avoid 
publicity. The departure of Mr. Colman having ren- 
dered vacant some of the rooms of the mission-house, 
one of them was fitted up for a chapel, and the Sab- 
bath services, w^hich, since his return from Amara- 
poora, had been held in the zayat with closed doors, 
were transferred to it. In this room, which was some- 
times called the new zayat, Mr. Judson generally spent 
his time translating the Scriptures, and conversing with 
those who called upon him. 

Although our missionary had been taught that he 
had little to hope from princes, he was not without 
gracious tokens of the favor of Him " whose is the 
kino^dom and dominion under the whole heaven." 
Within a week from Mr. Colman's embarkation, the 
expectations which had been cherished with regard to 
a profession of religion by one of the inquirers were 
gratified, and on the first Lord's day in April, 1820, 
Moung Shwa-ba was baptized in the accustomed pond. 

Within a few days after his baptism, this new pro- 
fessor showed the influence of the Gospel on his soul, 
by expressing a desire to communicate the treasure he 
had found to his numerous relations and friends in his 



Mingled Experiences. 151 

native village. " After expressing his desires, lie said 
it had occurred to hira that it might be proper to ask 
permission or license so to do. Not that he aspired to 
set up as a teacher — far from that ; but he wanted to 
feel that, in communicating the Gospel, he was pro- 
ceeding in a regular, authorized manner. He thought 
that if two or three disciples could be raised up in 
each of the large towns, it would much facilitate our 
operations. He was sure that at least one in ten of his 
relations and friends, on hearing his story, could not 
help embracing the new religion." It is no wonder 
that Mr. Judson reports that he "secretly exulted at 
hearing his proposal, so evidently the result of Chris- 
tian principle." In succeeding months he surpassed 
even the older disciples in zeal for the extension of the 
Redeemer's kingdom. 

During April and May of this year, though there 
were no such multitudes of visitants as formerly, yet 
several persons found their way to the mission-house 
who were evidently desirous of information with regard 
to Christianity. Some of these proved subtile in argu- 
ment, or were intrenched in sophistries which it re- 
quired good parts in a missionary to overcome. In the 
journal of April 30th, we have the following instance: 

" Oo Yan, after having searched out all the difficult 
points of religion, came to day to the ne plus ultra — 
How are sin and eternal misery reconcilable with the 
character of an infinitely holy, wise, and powerful God ? 
He at length obtained such satisfaction that he could 
not restrain laughing, from pure mental delight, and 
kept recurring to the subject, and repeating my remarks 
to those around him. He was accompanied, as usual, 
by his two Mends, Moung Thah-a and Moung Myat- 
lah, husband of Mah Men-la. "With these came one 



152 Mingled Expeeiences. 

Moung Yo, a disciple of Moung Shwa-gnong, a poor 
man, but a sharp reasoner. He was, or pretended to 
be, on the semi-atheistic plan.* After ascertaining his 
precise ground, I used an argument which, in a late 
combat with Oo Yan, I found quite invincible. It is 
simply this : ' ]^o mind, no wisdom ; temj)orary mind, 
temporary wisdom ; eternal mind, eternal wisdom.' 
1^0 w, as all the semi-atheists firmly believe in eternal 
wisdom, this concise statement sweeps with irresistible 
sway through the very joints and marrow of their sys- 
tem. And though it may seem rather simple and incon- 
clusive to one unacquainted with Burman reasoning, its 
effect is uniformly decisive. 'No sooner is this short sen- 
tence uttered than one significantly nods his head, as if 
to say : ' There you have it.' Another cries out to the 
opponent : ' You are undone, destroyed.' Another 
says : ' Talk about wisdom ! where else will you find 
it V Tlie disputant himself, who was perhaps prepar- 
ing a learned speech about the excellence, and efiicacy, 
and eternity of wisdom, quite disconcerted by this un- 
expected onset, sits looking at the wreck of his system, 
and w^ondering at the simple means which has spread 
such ruin around him ; presently he looks up (for the 
Burmans are frequently candid) and says : ' Your 
words are very appropriate;' and perhaps his next 
question is : ' How can I become a disciple of the God 
you worship V All the visitors to-day, and, indeed, all 
the semi-atheists, are despisers of Gaudama and the 
established religion of the land. Moung Shwa-gnong 
has disseminated this heresy in Eangoon for several 

* " Its fundamental doctrine is, that divine wisdom, not concentrated 
in any existing spirit, or embodied in any form, but diffused throughout 
the universe, and partaken in different degrees by various intelligences, 
and in a very high degree by the Boodhs, is the true and only God." 



Mingled Experiences. 153 

years ; but since lie has become acquainted with us, 
he frequently tells his adherents : ' I know nothing ! if 
you want true wisdom, go to the foreign teacher, and 
there you will find it.' I have reason to believe that 
this heresy is not confined to Eangoon, but is taking 
root in various parts of the country, and preparing the 
way for the Christian religion. O for toleration — a 
little toleration ! "We will be content to baptize in the 
night, and hold worship in private ; but we do pray 
that we may not be utterly banished from the land ; 
that we may not be cut up root and branch. O that 
these poor souls, who are groping in the dark, feeling 
after the truth, may have time and opportunities to find 
the precious treasure which will enrich them forever- 
more." 

On the 20th of April Mr. Judson finished the trans- 
lation of the Epistle to the Ephesians. This work he 
commenced before his visit to the king, but he was 
compelled to lay it aside on account of the weakness 
of his eyes. " It is with real joy," he says in his jour- 
nal, " that I put this precious writing into the hands 
of the disciples. It is a great accession to their scanty 
stock of Scripture, for they have had nothing hitherto 
but Matthew." A short time after he had made this 
translation he was visited by three individuals from a 
little village in the neighborhood of the mission-house, 
whose " characteristic trait" was a " particular love for 
the Scriptures." So greatly did they appreciate this 
last translation, that having but one copy among them 
our missionary has recorded that they almost quarreled 
with one another for its possession. 

Tliis last translation was executed " without the as- 
sistance of any person, not even a Burman teacher." 
Mr. Judson's former teacher having gone to Ava, he 



154: Mingled Expekienges. 

was afraid to employ another, lest he should become too 
well acquainted with the disciples and inquirers, and 
betray them to government. But he had the gratifica- 
tion of finding that the new translation was pronounced 
"plainer, and more easily understood" than the previ- 
ous one of Matthew. 

In Jime the prospect of toleration became darker, 
but two converts were enabled to overcome their fears, 
and were baptized ; and in July two other applicants 
were approved by some of the most discerning of the 
church. At this time Mr. Judson was contemplating a 
voyage to Bengal on account of the ill health of Mrs. 
Judson, and he writes : " I thought it most prudent, 
partly by way of trying their sincerity, to send them 
a message, suggesting that, since I was greatly occu- 
pied in getting ready for sea, and one of them was not 
so well acquainted with the doctrines of religion as was 
desirable, it might be better to defer their baptism till 
my return." 

The result of this message on those to whom it was 
sent, is thus set forth : " They came up in much trouble. 
They stated that, as they had fully embraced the Chris- 
tian religion in their hearts, they could not remain easy 
without being baptized, according to the commands of 
Christ ; that no man could tell whether I should ever 
return or not, and that it was their earnest petition, 
that if I could possibly find time, and thought them 
worthy of the ordinance, I would administer it to them 
before I went away. They did not wish me to go out 
to the usual place, as that was at some distance^ but 
would be baptized in a small pond near the mission- 
house. Moung Gway said, that though he was very 
ignorant, he knew enough of this religion to love it 
sincerely, and to trust in Christ for salvation from all 



Mingled Experiences. 165 

his sins. I re-examined them both, stated to them the 
great danger of professing a foreign religion, etc., and, 
on their urging their request, told them I would bap- 
tize them in the evening." 

At night these two new disciples were baptized, and 
the ordinance of the Supper observed, as Mr. Judson 
believed, for the last time before embarkation. The 
next day, however, he learned that his vessel was to be 
detained for two days, and this afforded an opportunity 
for the teacher, Moung Shwa-gnong, to revisit the mis- 
sion-house. ^' I received him," our missionary writes, 
" with some reserve, but soon found that he had not 
staid away so long from choice, having been ill with a 
fever for some time, and occupied also with the illness 
of his family and adherents. He gradually wore away 
my reserve ; and we had not been together two hours, 
before I felt more satisfied than ever, from his account of 
his mental trials, his struggles with sin, his strivings to 
be holy, his penitence, his faith, his exercises in secret 
prayer, that he is a subject of the special operations 
of the Holy Spirit, that he is indeed a true disciple." 

In the evening this man expressed his desire to re- 
ceive baptism at any time when Mr. Judson would be 
pleased to give it. On this avowal the disciples re- 
joiced, and other visitors were " astonished, for though 
they had long thought that he believed the Christian 
religion, they would not think that such a man could 
easily be brought to jDrofess it, and suffer himself to be 
put under the water by a foreigner." Just at night, on 
the following da}^, Mr. Judson proceeded with him to 
•' the accustomed place, went down into the water, and 
baptized him." As the missionary was expecting to 
leave on the morrow, the Supper was again observed in 
consequence of the admission of the new member. 



156 Mingled Experiences. 

Before the night closed another was to be " added to 
the church." Mah Men-la, a woman who had been long 
under Mrs. Judson's instruction, finding that the teacher 
had actually gone to be baptized, was unable to rest, 
and, having consulted with her friends, requested the 
administration of the ordinance. '' Having been long 
satisfied that she had received the grace of Christ," 
Mr. Judson "led her out to the pond near the house 
by lantern light, and thus baptized the tenth Burman 
convert and the first woman." The addition of these 
two last converts was peculiarly gratifying to our mis- 
sionary. Writing the next day to Dr. Baldwin, he 
says, after referring to those whom he had previously 
baptized : " and, to crown the whole, on yesterday eve- 
ning, the distinguished teacher, Moung Shwa-gnong, of 
whom you have heard so much, and Mah Men-la, the 
first female disciple, a woman of very superior abilities, 
and great influence among her extensive acquaintance." 
The case of this latter disciple was remarkable. Some 
time previous to Mr. Judson's arrival in Rangoon, her 
mind was led to inquire into the origin of all things. 
None of the Burman teachers, whose aid she sought 
for the solution of this question, were able to relieve her 
mind. She finall}^ resolved to learn to read, with the 
hope that she might gain from the sacred books the in- 
formation she desired. These did not satisfy her, and 
she had continued her search for ten years, when a 
neighbor having one day brought a tract to her, writ- 
ten by Mr. Judson, she derived from it her first ideas 
of an eternal God. For some time she was ignorant 
of our missionary's abode, but having discovered this 
by the erection of the zayat, she sought to make further 
inquiries, and under Mrs. Judson's guidance came to 
the knowledge of the truth. 



Mingled Experiences. 15Y 

The native converts at this time appeared well to 
their spiritual guide. " All the ten baptized disciples," 
he writes, " give satisfactory evidence of being true 
converts. Those of the longest standing are evidently 
growing Christians. Some of them take the lead in 
praver-meetings with great propriety, and nearly all 
of them have made some attempts at tliis exercise be- 
fore the church. A good degree of Christian affection 
prevails among them all, the appearance of which 
Moung Shwa-gnong says convinced him more than any 
thing else of the Divine origin and efficacy of the Chris- 
tian religion.''"^ 

During the time of these last pleasing events in the 
history of the mission, as already narrated, Mr. Judson 
was preparing for a voyage to Bengal. A complaint 
of the liver had for several months affected Mrs. Jud- 
son's health, and he conceived it best to accompany 
her. "jSTever," he writes, "did I feel more unwilling 
to leave Rangoon, nor was the mission in more inter- 
esting circumstances than at the present time." 

Thus having reason to hope that they left ten right- 
eous ones in the place, Mr. Judson and his wife em- 
barked July 19th. They were accompanied to the 
wharf by " near a hundred people, the women crying 
aloud in the Burman manner, and almost all deeply 
affected." The ship was not able to leave till the fol- 
lowing day, and the detention afforded several indi- 
viduals a fresh opportunity of manifesting their attach- 
ment to them. For about a week after embarking, on 
account of the threatening appearance of the weather, 
the vessel remained in the river. It was not, therefore, 
till July 26th that they passed the bar, and found 

* Letter to Dr. Baldwin. 



158 Mingled Experiences. 

themselves " once more *on the boundless ocean." 
They arrived at Calcutta August 18th, and, after spend- 
ing a few days in that city with the Rev. John Law- 
son, removed to Serampore, and took up their abode 
with their former associate, Mr. Hough. 

Mr. Judson did not purpose being absent from Ran- 
goon any longer than was made necessary by the vo}^- 
age to and from Calcutta ; but he found no vessel sail- 
ing for Rangoon for some three months. By that time 
Mrs. Judson's health had so greatly improved that she 
resolved to join him in returning to their field. Her 
return to Rangoon was opposed to the advice of Dr. 
Chalmers, the physician who had kindly, and without 
pecuniary recompense, attended her. In his course he 
was sustained by the Rev. Drs. Carey and Marshman, 
who warmly seconded a proposition for her to take a 
voyage to America; but another eminent physician 
having given an opinion which coincided with the 
wishes of Mrs. Judson and her husband, they resolved 
to make one more trial in Rangoon. They accordingly 
sailed in a small brig November 23rd, 1820. The 
voyage proved tedious and distressing above any they 
had ever taken. The vessel was so crowded with na- 
tive passengers that exercise was impossible, and so 
full of scorpions and centipedes as to cause continual 
disquiet. The passage was protracted by a succession 
of head- winds and calms, so that it occupied nearly six 
weeks. 

On the 3rd of January, 1821, the vessel came in 
sight of the Elephant Grove, so called from its fancied 
resemblance to that animal. It marks the western 
limit of the Rangoon outlet of the Irrawaddy, and the 
sight, Mr. Judson writes, " awakened all our feelings 
of anxiety and desire — anxiety to hear of the welfare 



Mingled Experiences. 159 

of the little chiircli whicli we have left so long in yon- 
der wilderness, the progress of the inquirers, and the 
disposition of the present government of the place to- 
ward the mission — desire to re-commence onr mission- 
ary labors, to proclaim the blessed Gospel, to feed the 
sheep and lambs of Christ's ilock." On the following 
day the vessel came to anchor in full sight of the tow- 
ering summit of Shway Dagon. The next day they 
landed. Mr. Judson writes : " As we drew near the 
town we strained our eyes to distinguish the counte- 
nances of our friends amid the crowd that we saw 
assembled on the wharf. The first that we recognized 
was the teacher, Moung Shwa-gnong, with his hands 
raised to his head as he discerned us on the deck ; and 
on landing, we met successively with Mah Men-la, 
and Moung Thah-lah, and several others, men, women, 
and children, who, after our usual examination at the 
custom ofiace, accompanied us to the mission-house. 
Soon after, Moung I^au and others came in, who had 
not at first heard of our arrival. In the evening I took 
my usual seat among the disciples, and when we bowed 
down in prayer, the hearts of us all flowed forth in 
gratitude and praise." 

Within a week all of the baptized visited the mission- 
house, and Mr. Judson was able to record that, though 
for six months they had been almost destitute of the 
means of grace, not one of them had dishonored his 
profession. He also found several interesting cases 
of inquiry. 

An additional cause of great gratification was the 
hopes of an improved disposition in the government 
toward the mission. The journal says : 

"The most important event (and that relates of 
course to Moung Shwa-gnong) remains to be men- 



160 Mingled Experiences. 

tioned. It will be remembered that he was accused, 
before the former viceroy, of being a heretic, and that 
the simple reply, ^Inquire further^ spread dismay 
among us all, and was one occasion of our visit to Ava. 
Soon after Mya-day-men assumed the government of 
this province, all the priests and officers of the village 
w^here Mouns: Shwa-o^nono^ lives entered into a con- 
spiracy to destroy him. They held daily consultations, 
and assumed a tone of triumph ; while poor Moung 
Shwa-gnong's courage began to flag, and, though he 
does not like to own it, he thought he must flee for his 
life. At length one of the consj^iracy, a member of 
the supreme court, went into the presence of the vice- 
roy, and in order to sound his disposition, complained 
that the teacher Moung Shwa-gnong was making every 
endeavor to turn the priests' rice-pot bottom upward. 
' What consequence V said the viceroy. ' Let the priests 
turn it hach again.'' This sentence was enough ; the 
lippes of the conspiracy were blasted, and all the dis- 
ciples felt that they were sure of toleration under Mya- 
day-men. But his administration will not probably 
continue many months." 

Encouraged by these friendly appearances, and pain- 
fully aware that it became him to work while it was 
day, Mr. Judson determined to re-open the zayat. 

While in the matter of toleration the prospect for 
the time appeared auspicious, in some other respects 
it wore a contrary aspect. A.n expedition for the inva- 
sion of Siam was being raised, which occasioned great 
concern. Distress pressed upon all classes, and many 
were compelled to flee to the woods to escape the ex- 
tortion and oppressions of petty officers of government. 
"If the war is prosecuted," Mr. Judson wrote Mr. 
Hough, January 22, " the state of things will becomo 



Mingled Experiences. 161 

intolerable.* But notwithstanding all these evils, we 
had the most pleasant assembly at worship yesterday 
that I can recollect. Ten disciples, five hopeful inqui- 
rers (respectable people), and others to the amount of 
about twenty-five adults in all, exhibited a spectacle 
which would have seemed two years ago a perfect 
miracle." Concerning this Lord's day his journal has 
the entry : " Why art thou ever cast down, O my soul ? 
and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou 
in God — the God of the Burmans, as well as David's 
God ; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his 
countenance, revealed in the salvation of thousands 
of these immortal souls." 

In February, the fisherman, Moung Ing, whom Mr. 
Judson regarded as the " second Burman whose heart 
was touched by Divine grace," returned to the mission- 
house. This man had been prevented by various cir- 
cumstances from making a profession, but on the last 
Lord's day of February he made application for ad- 
mission to the church, and was baptized a week after. 
He waited for the communion season on the second 
Lord's day in March, and then left for Bike, some dis- 
tance below Rangoon, laden with various writings in 
Burman and Portuguese, for distribution among the 
people of that place. 

In March, Mr. Judson was unwell for several days, 
so that his usual labors were intermitted ; but on his 
recovery he devoted himself with renewed earnestness 
to the work of translation whenever he was not inter- 
rupted by company. 

The following extracts from a letter to the Rev. Dr. 
Bolles afford some interesting information : 

* After some months of preparation the government abandoned its 
ptirpose. 



162 Mingled Experiences. 

Rangoon, May 5, 1821. 

Reverend and dear Brother — Your kind and encouraging let- 
ter of June last reached me in Bengal just after I had written you. 
We returned hither on having partially attained the end of our visit — 
the restoration of Mrs. Judson's health. Her disorder is not, indeed, 
perfectly eradicated, but the manner in which she has sustained the 
present hot season thus far is most encouraging. 

I have baptized one only since my return. All the old converts re- 
main steadfast. Some shine bright, and some emit only a glimmering 
light ; but none have gone out. There are several hopeful inquirers, 
some of whom give satisfactory evidence of being true converts ; but 
though they have been examining the Christian religion for many 
months, they are not yet quite ready to take the decided, the irrevo- 
cable step — that of swearing allegiance to the Lord Jesus in the water 
of baptism. 

The Burmans are a slow, wary, circumspect race ; but their perti- 
nacity in maintaining an opinion deliberately adopted will bear, I im- 
agine, due proportion to their tardiness in adopting it. This trait in 
their character will render missionary operations among them less 
rapid in the outset, but more effective and permanent in the issue. 

I am just forwarding some portions of the New Testament to be 
printed at Serampore under the superintendence of Brother Hough. 
I long to see the whole New Testament completed, for I should then 
be able to devote all my time to preaching the Gospel from day to day ; 
and even now the latter appears to be the more pressing duty. May 
the Spirit of the Lord be poured out. 

In July, Mr. Jiidson gave, in his journal, the follow- 
ing account concerning his proceedings and the state 
of the native church : 

" In the interval of receiving company, I have lately 
been employed in translating ; have finished the Gos- 
pel and Epistles of John, those exquisitely sweet and 
precious portions of the ISTew Testament, and am now 
employed on the latter part of Acts. I find Moung 
Shwa-ba a most valuable assistant in all parts of mis- 
sionary work. Moung Shwa-gnong also begins ' to be 
dissatisfied with being a mere disciple, and hopes that 
he shall some time be thought worthy of being a teach- 
er of the Christian religion.' These two, with Mah 



Mingled Experiences. 163 

Men-la, are, at present, the flower of our little churcli. 
I have no reason, however, to complain of the conduct 
of any, considering the great disadvantages under 
which thej all labor. Some have grown comparatively 
cold, but none have forgotten their first love. Praise 
forever be to Him 

' ' Who is faithful to his promises, 
And faithful to his Son.' " 

Shortly after writing this account he was prostrated 
by a fever, and two days after Mrs. Judson was a suf- 
ferer from the same complaint, and " for several days,'' 
he writes, '* we lay side by side, unable to help one 
another." In the beginning of August he began to 
recover ; but his wife's former complaint manifested 
itself in so decisive a form, that a voyage to America 
presented the only hope for her recovery. 

In a letter to the corresponding secretary of the 
American Baptist Board Mr. Judson wrote: "The 
event has accorded with the predictions of Dr. Chal- 
mers. For a few months the mercurial remedies which 
he prescribed for Mrs. Judson kept the disorder at bay ; 
but they now begin to lose all their efficacy ; and 
scarcely are the effects of one salivation suffered to 
subside, when she is obliged to have recourse to 
another. The pain in her side is almost incessant, and 
begins to be attended with those alarming symptoms 
-which forced us to Bengal last year. In these circum- 
stances I feel that there is no alteruative, and I acquiesce 
in the present measure, however painful to our feelings, 
under the full conviction that it is absolutely necessary 
in order to avert a more painful separation, which 
might otherwise be realized in the course of a very 
few months — a separation final, and precluding all 
further hope in this world." 



164 Mingled Experiences. 

The communication from which the preceding ex- 
tract is taken affords a striking proof of the conscien- 
tiousness of Mr. Judson with regard to the funds of 
the mission. In a separation from a wife whom he 
dearly loved, whom he was able to say had " faith- 
fully labored many years" in the service of the board, 
and whose "sole object" in visiting her country once 
more was to recover her health and strength in order 
to return to Burmah, it might be supposed that con- 
siderations of a pecuniary character would scarcely 
trouble his mind ; but it was not so ; and he writes : 
"Being entirely alone, I do not feel authorized to 
make any special appropriation of mission money, 
especially as I do not know what the expense of pass- 
ages will be. But I cheerfully refer this subject to 
the board. We hope that one, at least, of the pass- 
ages may be procured at a small expense, perhaps 
gratis, particularly as we hear that tlie Benjamin Rush 
is now in Bengal. Whatever money Mrs. Judson may 
need in America, I beg may be paid to her order on 
the treasurer ; and all such money I shall pass to the 
credit of the board, and deduct from my usual allow- 
ance, in the same manner as money taken up of the 
agents of the board in Bengal. I have made such ar- 
rangements as will prevent the necessity of burdening 
the board with any additional expense on this occasion 
except that of passages at sea, and for this my only 
apology must be, the extreme necessity of the case." 

Mrs. Judson embarked for Bengal August 21st. 
The following letter was addressed to her. It was 
written evidently a few days after her departure. 

Rangoon, September 5, 1821, 
I hope you enjoy more religion than I do. This heavy affliction does 
not have that salutary effect on my heart which I anticipated. Mercies 



Mingled Expeeienoes. 165 



and judgments seem to be thrown away on me, and I am afraid that I 
shall never make much advance in the divine life. I had such a view 
and sense of my depravity this morning as made me ready to give up 
all for lost ; not, I mean, as regards my interest in Christ — there I feel 
strong — but as regards any attainments in holiness while remaining in 
this state of sin. how consoling it is to give up myself and you and 
the interest of the mission into the faithful hands of Jesus, and to look 
forward to that blessed state where we are sure of meeting, though we 
should meet no more on earth. The Lord reigns, and I feel, at times, 
that I can safely trust all in his hands, and rejoice in whatever may 
betide. If we suffer with Christ, we shall also be glorified with him. 

Sept. 12. — Company continued with me until after three o'clock, 
and then I found myself alone, and for a few hours was very desolate 
and unhappy ; but about sunset, the time mentioned in your last letter 
for mutual prayer, I felt more comfortable. And now evening worship 
being past, I am sitting in my room. Your last letter lies before me, 
and " Winchell's Collection" also, open at the hymn — 

" Blest be the tie that binds," 

not that I can not repeat it without book, but I wish to refresh myself 
with a view of the very words. How exactly suited to our case ! How 
it describes the manner in which we have lived together for many 
years, the pain which we feel in being parted, and the glorious hopes 
and prospects before us! One thing, however, it omits, namely: the 
hope which we entertain of meeting again in this world. 

Lord's Day. — But few Burmans present at worship. Some others 
would probably have attended had it not been for the rain. I have 
consequently had a dull day. Religion, however, has aflfbrded me 
some comfort, especially this evening. But how small a part of our 
daily comfort and gratification is derived from the right source ! And 
how apt are Christians to deceive themselves in this particular ! It is 
only when deprived of outward means that we learn to correct our 
error. Then we find that the depravity of the heart is so great that 
we can not be satisfied with the pure bread of heaven, but are contin- 
ually hankering after the more gross and palpable food of this world — 
the husks of time and sense. And, alas ! our minds are so weak and 
ill-disciplined that frequently, when we are in a spiritual frame, and 
obtain some glimpses of heaven, present grief will intervene, and swal- 
low up all anticipations of future joy. 

Shortly after Mrs. Judson's departure, dark clouds 
again rested on the mission. The following letter 
makes known their character : 



166 Mingled Expekiences. 



TO THE REV. DANIEL SHARP. 

Rangoon, September 17, 1821. 

Reverend and dear Sir — Your kind and afiFectionate letter of Oc- 
tober, 1820, I have perused several times with much satisfaction. The 
sources of encouragement and motives to perseverance which you sug- 
gest are such as I desire ever to keep in view. But our feelings are 
not always in unison with the dictates of reason and the assurances of 
faith ; and I am sometimes quite disheartened in view of the difficulties 
with which I am surrounded. Opposition to the truth daily grows 
more determined and violent ; the struggle between light and darkness 
is great, and though I am sure that God will bring forth judgment to 
victory, I think it probable that I shall not witness the triumph during 
my lifetime. I hope, however, to keep some footing in the country, 
and carry forward the translation of the Scriptures, as you suggest ; 
but as I am almost cut off from all opportunities and means of commu- 
nicating the truth, I have no reason to hope that many conversions will 
at present be effected. The decided intolerance of government, and the 
bitter spirit which is rapidly gaining ground among all classes of peo- 
ple, have occasioned the zayat to be quite deserted, and have even de- 
terred most of the disciples from attending worship on Lord's day. 
The particular circumstance which has manifested the intolerant spirit 
of government is a new accusation and arraignment of Moung Shwa- 
gnong. By what particular means he obtained acquittal I have not yet 
ascertained. It is said that he accompanied his chief to Shway Dagon, 
as is the custom among the common people, though he performed no 
act of worship there. 

If I had sufficient property I should think of another visit to Ava ; 
but a thousand rupees of mission money is too much to be thrown away 
on an improbability. I have some idea that in a year's residence I 
should find some influential person who would procure me favorable 
access to the presence of the emperor. Unless some word or look can 
be obtained from his majesty, it seems morally impossible that any 
thing can be done in the country. It is true that, by the operation of 
the Spirit of God, multitudes can be converted, where the means are 
used ; but at present no one dares to come near me, and for me to go 
out into the streets, and zayats, and pagodas, and proclaim a proscribed 
religion, would be the height of madness. 

I suppose I feel more disheartened just at present in consequence of 
being entirely alone, as I have been since Mrs. Judson's departure* 
with not a single person in the whole place who can give me a word of 
advice or encouragement. But I sometimes derive comfort from a 
higher source, and feel happy in committing this forlorn hope into the 
hands of the Great Captain of our salvation, who is able to keep those 



Mingled Experiences. 167 

who are persecuted from being forsaken, and those who are cast down 
from being destroyed. Affectionately and respectfully yours, 

A. Jtjdson. 

The following letter, though it contains no intelli- 
gence concerning missions, gives a beautiful exempli- 
iication of the religious character of our subject. It is 
addressed to Mrs. Judson : 

I wish I could always feel as I did last eyening, and have this morn- 
ing. At first, on hearing Moung Shwa-gnong's story, I felt much dis- 
heartened, and thought how pleasant it would be if we could find some 
quiet resting-place on earth, where we might spend the rest of our 
days together in peace, and perform the ordinary services of religion. 
But I fled to Jesus, and all such thoughts soon passed away. Life is 
short. Happiness consists not in outward circumstances. ^Millions of 
Burmans are perishing. I am almost the only person on earth who 
has attained their language to such a degree as to be able to commu- 
nicate the way of salvation. How great are my obligations to spend 
and be spent for Christ ! What a privilege to be allowed to serve him 
in such interesting circumstances, and to suff"er for him! The heavenly 
glory is at hand. 0, let me travel through this country, and bear 
testimony to the truth all the way from Rangoon to Ava, and show the 
path to that glory which I am anticipating. 0, if Christ will only 
sanctify me and strengthen me, I feel that I can do all things. But 
in myself I am absolute nothingness, and when through grace I get a 
glimpse of divine things, I tremble lest the next moment will snatch it 
quite away. 

Let us pray especially for one another's growth in grace. Let me 
pray that the trials which we resp^ctively are called to endure may 
wean us from the world, and rivet our hearts on things above. Soon 
we shall be in heaven. 0, let us live as we shall then wish we had 
done. Let us be humble, unaspiring, indifferent equally to worldly 
comfort and the applause of men, absorbed in Christ, the uncreated 
Fountain of all excellence and glory. 

Mr. Judson's fears of Moung Shwa-gnong's apostasy 
were not realized. After an absence from the mission- 
house of two weeks he re-appeared, and stated that 
having been accused, he had thought it best to keep 
out of the way, and had called preparatory to leaving 
Rangoon for a longer period. His intention was to 



168 ' Mingled Experiences. 

make his abode for some time among the sect of semi- 
atheists, with whom he had been formerly associated, 
and being desirous to be useful he was anxious to have 
tracts and Gospels for distribution. These were gladly 
given him, and he took leave with an earnest " God- 
speed" from the missionary. In the midst of trouble 
the other members generally conducted themselves with 
consistency, and by October the church numbered thir- 
teen converted Burmans. 

In December, Mr. Judson was again cheered by the 
presence of an associate. Dr. Jonathan D. Price, who 
had been sent from America. In January, 1822, Mr. 
Hough rejoined tlie mission after an absence of more 
than three years. 

The proceedings of the government in the case of 
Moung Shwa-gnong " struck a fatal blow at religious 
inquiry," and for some months after Mr. Judson con- 
fined himself almost entirely to translation. In Feb- 
ruary, 1822, he wrote: "About half the E'ew Testa- 
ment is now finished, and I am desirous of finishing 
the whole, if possible, before making any further mis- 
sionary movement. When that work is disposed of I 
expect to feel more free to go forth and encounter the 
hazards which may attend an open and extensive dec- 
laration of the Gospel. I am fully persuaded that the 
way will soon be opened for the introduction and es- 
tablishment of true religion in this country. Difficul- 
ties may obstruct, delays may intervene, the faith of 
missionaries and their supporters may be severely tried, 
but at the right time, the time marked out from all 
eternity, the Lord will appear in his glory." 

The following communication contains some inter- 
esting particulars with respect to the department of 
translation : 



Mingled Expekiences. 169 



TO THE REV. PROFESSOR IRA CHASE. 

Rangoon, April 20, 1822. 

My dear Brother — I have almost determined not to read a book 
or write a letter, except absolutely necessary, until the translation of 
the New Testament is finished. Bat every rule must have its excep- 
tions, and your letter which inquires particularly about the translation 
seems to lay especial claim to an early answer. 

My first attempt at translation was made on the Gospel of Matthew 
after I had been nearly four years in the country, but I was so dissat- 
isfied with the result, and was so convinced of the inadequacy of a four 
years' acquaintance with a foreign language to enable me to make a 
good translation of the Scriptures, that I proceeded no farther. Some 
time after, influenced chiefly \>y the importunity of the little church, 
which had grown up in the mean time, I gave them Ephesians and part 
of Acts. But it was not until I had been in the country nearly eight 
years, that is, about a year ago, that I undertook the work with a more 
settled purpose, and have now finished the Gospels, Acts, and Romans. 
I shall probably by the time you have received this have finished the 
whole New Testament. I translate, as you suppose, from the original, 
following generally the text of Griesbach. 

It is my earnest desire and prayer that as soon as the translation of 
the New Testament is finished, the way may be opened for a more pub- 
lic dissemination of the Gospel than has been hitherto practicable. 
What particular method the Lord will devise for the introduction of the 
Christian religion into this empire, we can not yet conjecture. We do 
not yet discover the indications of his will. But we hope that such a 
discovery will in due time be granted to humble trust and fervent 
prayer. for that spirit of efi'ectual, fervent prayer that availeth much ! 

Let me beg you to remember us and the perishing millions of Bur- 
mah in your daily intercessions. 

After being in the country but little more than four 
months, Mrs. Price was called from earth, the first loss 
of a member which the mission had sustained by death. 
She was consigned to the grave May 2d, by the side 
of little Koger. Shortly after this period Mr. Judson 
was seized with fever, and subsequently by cholera-mor- 
bus. It was not till the last day of June that he made 
any entry in his journal, and he then described himself 
as " scarcely able to hold a pen." 

Toward the end of July he was able fully to resume 

8 



lYO Mingled Experiences. 

his work. He was pursuing the course of translation 
he had marked out, with great diligence, and the zayat, 
after having been for a long period almost deserted, 
was visited by some of the most respectable Burmans, 
who appeared to be anxiously inquiring, when the news 
of the medical skill of his associate reached Ava. As 
a consequence of this, a summons was sent from the 
king for Dr. Price to repair to the court. Though our 
subject was most unwilling to leave his pursuits and 
prospects at Kangoon, yet his superior acquaintance 
with the language made it necessary for him to go like- 
wise. It was also an inducement that the circumstance 
might afford opportunity for him to gain some footing 
in the capital. 

In the prospect of his departure for Ava he made 
the following record in his journal : 

" August 21. — Early in the morning I administered 
baptism to Mah Mee, the eighteenth Burman convert. 
Two more still remain, Moung Myat-lah and Mah Ing, 
the one detained by fear of government, the other by 
fear of her husband. Add to these a desirable num- 
ber of hopeful inquirers, and I feel I am leaving, at 
least for a time, one of the most interesting fields of la- 
bor that was ever opened to a missionary. But the 
path of duty seems to lead to Ava, and it is infinitely 
easy for God to open there a more interesting field." 

Mr. Judson and his associate left Rangoon August 
28th, and reached Ava September 2Tth. The chief 
events and prospects of this period of his residence 
there are made known in the following letters : 

TO THE REV. LUTHER RICE. 

Ava, September 30, 1822. 
My DEAR BROTHER RicE — We arrived here three days ago, in con- 
sequence of brother Price being called by the king His majesty re- 



Mingled Expekiences. 171 



ceived us — that is, brother Price — very favorably, and ordered a place 
for our residence. My old friend, Moung Zah, the chief private min- 
ister of state, immediately recognized me, and asked me several ques- 
tions of a friendly nature in the presence of the king, and afterward 
conversed a little on religion, and told me to remain in Ava, and not 
return to Rangoon. This invitation, from one whose word is nearly 
equivalent to that of the king, and who must have been perfectly 
aware of my object in the country, I can not but consider very encour- 
aging. And it is chiefly to communicate this circumstance that I 
write this hasty line, on board our boat, which we have not yet been 
able to leave. Our house will be ready in two or three days. It is 
situated near the palace, and surrounded by the inclosures of princes 
and nobles. that the Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and make 
us a burning and shining light in this benighted region ! pray, my 
dear brother, that the set time to favor Burmah may now come ! 

TO THE REV. DANIEL SHARP. 

AvA, JVovember 30, 1822. 
Rev. and dear Sir — Brother Price and myself have been here 
about two months. He is well received in the character of doctor, and 
I am better received in the character of a minister of religion than I had 
any reason to expect from the manner of my reception three years 
ago. I am now inclined to think that it was motives of state policy, 
rather than a spirit of intolerance, which influenced the king, at the 
commencement of his reign, to discountenance every innovation. In- 
deed, all the members of the blood-royal seem to have inherited from 
the late monarch a spirit of skepticism in respect to their own religion, 
and a disposition to listen with candor, so far as their attention can be 
diverted from the business and amusements of high life. The prince 

of M , eldest half brother of the king, is almost persuaded to be 

a Christian, and not merely, I hope, from conviction of the truth of 
Christianity, but from a conviction of its excellence and adaptedness 
to his personal necessities. He allows me to approach him with great 
familiarity, and I sometimes venture to warn him of his danger, and 
exhort him to flee from the wrath to come ; and he sometimes listens 
with the deference of a disciple and the air of an awakened sinner. 
The princess of T , eldest sister of the king, also manifests a de- 
sire to know the truth, and receives my communications with respect. 
But here I have need of Mrs. Judson, The princess is a lady of taste 
and elegance, and I have no doubt that she and Mrs. Judson would 
become strongly attached to each other. Her favorable opinion is of 
the first importance, since she has the immediate charge of the heir 
apparent, a fine boy of about ten years of age. Of the six atwenwoons 



172 Mingled Experiences. 



(privy councilors of the king), two or three are decidedly candid and 
liberal. Of the woongyees and woondouks (the ruling court of the 
empire), I can as yet say nothing certain, it not having been conve- 
nient to form much acquaintance with them. I might mention several 
cases among the subordinate officers of government, in which I have 
been favored with a pleased and candid attention, and have received 
kindnesses that I had no reason to expect. 

I do hope that if we can obtain a settled residence in the capital, and 
enjoy an ordinary measure of the Holy Spirit, the Christian religion 
will be gradually introduced — at least, that some precious souls will 
be rescued and saved. 

I have lately heard of the death of dear brother Colman, and am 
frequently reminded of his loss while occupied in scenes where he was 
once associated with me. I am ready to reproach myself for having in 
any way consented to his leaving this country, and exposing himself to 
the fatal climate of Cox's Bazaar, especially as the prospects under this 
government become more encouraging. But I trust that we were 
guided in all our deliberations and decisions, and that in the future 
world of light we shall see that the great designs of God were furthered 
by events which appear to us, at present, most disastrous. 
Yours, with affection and respect, 

A. JunsoN, JuN. 

TO REV. DR. BALDWIN. 

Rangoon, February 11, 1823. 

Rev. and dear Sir — My last to you was written just before we 
left Rangoon for Ava. While at Ava, yours of March last came to 
hand, and afforded me much consolation and encouragement. Since 
my return I have received yours of July, the latest that has reached 
me from America. The magazines also have all been duly received. 
Many thanks for all your kindnesses, and thanks to God who has ex- 
cited so much interest for the Burman mission in the hearts of his dear 
children in far distant lands. 

You wUl learn from my journal, forwarded herewith to the corre- 
sponding secretary, the particulars of our visit to Ava. Sufl&ce it 
here to say, that the Lord has been gracious to us beyond our expecta- 
tion. My reception, as a minister of religion, has been very different 
from what it was before. A liberal and candid spirit seems to prevail 
among all the members of the royal family, and among many of the 
leading members of government. It is distinctly understood by the 
king, and by all who have any knowledge of me at all, that I am a 
thah-thah-nah-pyos-tsayah — that is, a religion -propagating teacher; 
and yet I have been smiled on, and listened to, and, by the order of the 



Mingled Expekiences. 173 

king himself, have received from the chief public minister of state the 
grant of a small piece of ground, for the express purpose of building a 
kyoung (a house appropriated to sacred characters). It is my inten- 
tion, therefore, to return thither as soon as Mrs. Judson arrives, who, 
I hear, has gone on to America. And in the mean time I shall occupy 
myself in finishing the translation of the New Testament — a work 
which I left unfinished with great reluctance, and which I rejoice to 
have leisure to reassume. 

During my absence, one of the best of our church members, the sis- 
ter of Mah Men-la, was called from this world to join, I trust, the 
church triumphant. She died in peace and joy, professing her belief 
in Jesus Christ, and saying that she should soon be with him in heaven. 

During the whole of my residence at Ava I was severely afficted, 
at intervals, with the fever and ague. I did hope that a change of 
climate would effect my cure ; but the disorder has followed me to 
Rangoon, and I am subject to it every other day. Brother Price was 
apprehensive that it would terminate fatally, having resisted every 
medical application, and become so deeply rooted ; and he would have 
accompanied me hither, had I not dissuaded him. My only hope now 
is, that it will exhaust itself before my constitution is exhausted ; but 
the Lord's will be done. I could wish to live to finish the New Testa- 
ment, and I should also be happy to see a little church raised up in 
Ava, as there has been in Rangoon. But the ways of God are not as 
the ways of man. He does all things well. Glory be to his holy 
name forevermore. Yours, very respectfully, 

A. Judson, Jr. 

During Mr. Judson's absence in Ava the church at 
Eangoon was scattered, owing to the persecutions and 
extortions of a new viceroy. Several of them, how- 
ever, subsequently gathered around him, and he en- 
gaged in such labors for their instruction and that of 
others as he felt could be prosecuted with safety. Tlie 
work of translation he continued to prosecute as time 
and health permitted. In this work he obtained one 
object of great desire. He thus refers to it in the fol- 
lowing letter : 

TO THE REV. DR. SHARP. 

Rangoon, JIugust 5, 1823, 
Rev. and dear Brother — It is with real satisfaction that I am 



1T4 Mingled Experiences. 

able to inform you of the completion of the New Testament in Burman, 
about six weeks ago ; since which I have added, by way of introduc- 
tion, an epitome of the Old Testament, in twelve sections, consisting of 
a summary of Scripture history from the creation to the coming of 
Christ, and an abstract of the most important prophecies of the Messiah 
and his kingdom, from the Psalms, Isaiah, and other prophets. I trust 
this work will be found as valuable as any part of the preceding ; for 
though not, strictly speaking, the Word of God, it is compiled almost 
entirely in the words of Scripture, is received by the converts with great 
eagerness, and found to be peculiarly interesting and instructive, and 
forms, moreover, a sort of text-book, from which I am able to commu- 
nicate much information on the history, types, and prophecies of the 
Old Testament in a systematic manner. 

I have heard but little from Ava since I left. Prince M. sometimes 
inquires for me, and wishes to hear more about the Christian religion. 
Brother Price is building a small brick house on the other side of the 
river, the king having given him bricks. I expect to remove as soon as 
Mrs. Judson returns, from whom I have not, however, received a word 
of intelligence for nearly ten months. Brother Hough has not yet been 
able to get types from Bengal. No printing, therefore, has been done 
since his return. 

I hope it will not be long before the Gospel and Epistles of John are 
printed. They have been ready for the press above a year, and have 
been so thoroughly and repeatedly revised, that I flatter myself that 
subsequent translators will not find it necessary to make many altera- 
tions. Indeed, all the Gospels and the Acts are in a tolerable state , the 
Epistles are still deficient. But I never read a chapter without a pencil 
in hand, and Griesbach and Parkhurst at my elbow ; and it will be an 
object with me through life to bring the translation into such a state 
that it may be a standard work. 

I remain, dear sir, affectionately yours. 

A. JuDsoN, Jtjn. 

It was not till December 5th that Mrs. Judson 
reached Rangoon.* When it is remembered that she 

* After spending some time in Calcutta, Mrs. Judson took passage for 
England, She made a sojourn of several months in that country and 
Scotland. She embarked for her native land, August, 1822, and arrived 
in New York in the following month. She left Boston for Calcutta in 
June, 1S23, and arrived at the latter city in October. Her visit to the 
U. States was not only beneficial to her own health, but tended much 
to enkindle and fan the missionary flame in the hearts of Christians. 



Mingled Experiences. 175 

had been absent more than two years, and that by the 
time of her return fourteen months had passed during 
which Mr. Judson had not heard from her, it is easy to 
understand that her arrival was a cause of " inexpress- 
ible happiness" to him. Mr. and Mrs. Wade, who 
had accompanied her from the United States, arrived 
at the same time. Mr. Judson determined, as his ab- 
sence had been protracted considerably beyond his 
expectations, to delay his return to Ava no longer 
than was necessary for arrangements to be made for 
his voyage. The reunited couple left Rangoon on the 
13th of December. 

The voyage occupied six weeks, being somewhat 
lengthened by the fact that the boat was larger than 
Mr. Judson had employed on his previous voyage 
with Mr. Colman ; and that, to save expense, he had 
fewer men. Dr. Price, having heard of his approach, 
met him a few days below Ava. The intelligence he 
gave was discouraging. The former privy council of 
the king had been turned out of office, and a new one 
appointed, with whom the missionaries had neither 
acquaintance nor interest. Added to other causes of 
disquiet, there was a prospect of war with the British. 
To this Mr. Judson alludes in a letter to Dr. Baldwin ; 
and as an interval of two years occurs between the 
date of this letter and the next which is presented, and 
as it was probably the last that the beloved minister 
to whom it is addressed was permitted to receive, it 
has a peculiar interest : 

Aya, February 19, 1824. 

Reverend ajvd dear Sir — ***** 

A misunderstanding has subsisted for several months between this 

and the Bengal government. Troops have marched on both sides to 

the frontiers. War appeared at one time to be certain, but the latest 

accounts are rather pacific. In case of actual war, as the distinction 



176 Mingled Experiences. 

between American and Englislimen is pretty well understood in this 
place, we hope that we shall not be considered implicated, and suffer 
no other inconvenience than that of having all communication with our 
friends cut off, except in case of war's reaching the capital, when we 
should be exposed to the vicissitudes and dangers incident to such a 
state. 

But in all cases we trust we have a few dear friends at home who 
bear us in their hearts at the throne of grace, and a still dearer and 
greater Friend at the right hand of the Divine Presence in heaven, who 
is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and will graciously suc- 
cor us in the time of trial, and make us come off conquerors at last. 

But, my dear and venerable friend and brother and father, you are, 
from long experience, more able than I am to taste the sweetness of 
this precious truth ; and your advanced age and the grace of Christ 
enable you to hope that you will ere long be allowed to adopt the tri- 
umphant language of the apostle Paul. Pray for me, that I may be 
counted worthy to hold out to the end, and finally meet with you before 
the throne, and handle a harp of gold in the dear E,edeemer's praise. 
Most affectionately yours, 

A. JuDsoN, Jr. 

On his arrival in Ava, Mr. Judson, according to his 
usual custom, proceeded to the performance of present 
duty, holding worship every Lord's day in Dr. Price's 
house, and "getting up something to shelter" Mrs. 
Judson and himself on the lot formerly assigned to 
him by the government. The building was of wood, 
and though for this reason unadapted to the climate 
of Ava, yet to their eyes it was a very desirable habita- 
tion. Of his celerity in erecting it, and its advantages, 
Mrs. Judson speaks in her correspondence : " You will 
hardly believe it possible, for I almost doubt my senses, 
that in just a fortnight from our arrival we moved into 
a house built in that time, and which is sufficiently 
large to make us comfortable. It is a most delightful 
situation, out of the dust of the town, and on the bank 
of the river. The spot of ground given by his majesty 
is small, being only one hundred and twenty feet long 
and seventy-five wide ; but it is our own, and is the 



Mingled Experiences. 1Y7 

most healthy situation I have seen. Our house is 
raised four feet from the ground, and consists of three 
small rooms and a veranda." 

Thus settled in his own house at Ava, let the reader 
recall the incidents of the four years recorded in this 
chapter. Where shall we find more sad experiences 
in the prosecution of Christian labor? We see our 
missionary oftentimes pursuing his work in painfulness 
and weariness, a solitary laborer, uncheered by the 
presence of a single associate save his wife, and she 
soon compelled by afliction to leave him ; so that there 
was not one individual near him using his own tongue 
to accompany him to the mercy-seat. Then, if we 
think of the suspense in which his mind was held with 
regard to his companion — more than a year passing over 
his head in which he heard not a word concerning 
her — we see a demand for fortitude and patience which 
few would be able to meet. If, further, we behold his 
work prosecuted often by stealth and under fear of 
banishment, if we see him compelled to leave for 
months at a time the few whom he had been permitted 
to lead to the Saviour, and returning to find them in 
great trouble, or scattered abroad, we see an experience 
sufficient to overwhelm the most sanguine mind. ^Nev- 
ertheless, " God, that comforteth those that are cast 
down," comforted him. Under the frown of a king 
the little flock increased from three to eighteen, and, 
though so often exposed to trial, none of its members 
apostatized. That frown, once so fearful a cause of 
disquietude, He who turneth the hearts of men as he 
pleases, caused to give way to a gracious smile. Though 
our missionary knew months of loneliness in labor, he 
Was ultimately relieved by the presence of one, then 
of another, and finally of a third ordained colleague ; 

8* 



178 Mingled Expekiences. 

and after a separation of more than two years from his 
beloved wife, its sorrows and anxieties were forgotten 
in the jojs of a reunion. And now in the capital of 
Burmah, having his home on ground assigned to him 
by the monarch, he was looking forward to years of 
labor for Christ. It is true, in the prospect of war 
there was a small cloud on his horizon, but it caused 
him little disquietude. 

How merciful is that appointment of Infinite "Wis- 
dom which veils to man^s vision the things which are 
to befall him in the future ! 



IMPEISONMENT. 

"For we -would not, iDrethren, have you ignorant of our trouble 
■wMciL came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, ahove 
strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life." — 2 Cob. i. 8. 

¥E now approacla the most trying period of our mis- 
jiionary's historj. After continuing his labors in 
Ava, as occasion offered, with much hazard for nearly 
six months, the untoward counsels adopted by the 
Burman government brought them to a termination. 
Although we may believe that while he had life he 
could scarcely be restrained from speaking of the great 
salvation, if heathen were around him, yet, from the 
period named, we must date a forced suspension of 
his labors, which continued for nearly two years. 
Though some of the incidents which are recorded in 
this chapter occurred as long since as 1824, yet they are 
so familiar to the present generation as to need men- 
tion, more with a view of keeping the proper succession 
before the reader than for purposes of information. 

In the previous chapter an extract from Mr. Judson's 
correspondence is given, in which he announces the 
probabilities of war between the Burman and Bengal 
governments. At the time he wrote, hostilities had 
already commenced, but no accounts had been received 
at the capital. A brief account of the origin of the 
war may be acceptable before we proceed with the 
personal narrative. 



180 Imprisonment. 



In the year 1798 some thirty thousand of the people, 
generally known as Mugs, fled from the oppressions 
of the Burmese rule in Arracan, and sought refuge 
within the British district of Chittagong. Here they 
established themselves as permanent settlers. The 
Burmese authorities, however, made several applica- 
tions, with a view of persuading the "resident" of the 
district to deliver them up. Subsequently some two 
or three embassies were sent from Ava to Calcutta 
with a like end and as little success. In the year 1811 
a native of Arracan, named Kingberring, one of the 
refugees who had found an asjdum in Chittagong, 
gathered large numbers similarly situated with him- 
self, to invade the territory to which they had formerly 
belonged. The Bnrman government naturally con- 
cluded that this invasion, headed by a person residing 
under British protection, would not have been under- 
taken without the sanction or connivance of the ruling 
powers in that part of India. To remove such an im- 
pression an envoy was sent to Burmah to disavow all 
connection w^ith, or approval of, the undertaking on the 
part of the Bengal government. Ultimately the Bur- 
mese gained a decisive victory over the invaders, and 
the leader and many of his followers again sought 
refuge in Chittagong. Considerations of humanity 
caused the British to refuse to give them up to the 
sanguinary vengeance which was certain to befall them, 
if once within the power of the Burmese. Incensed 
by the course of the Bengal government, and renewed 
hostile manifestations on the part of the refugees, Bur- 
mese forces were sent at various times into the British 
territory in quest of fugitives, and these forays proved 
a frequent cause of misunderstanding and complaint. 
In 1818 the Borman government not only demanded 



Imprisonment. 181 

the surrender of tlie fugitives, but laid claim to a large 
portion of British territory. The death of the king in 
1819 put a stop to the demand for a time, but inces- 
sant troubles with neighboring rajahs, who, when de- 
feated, found an asylum in the company's territories, 
continued to foment its hostile dispositions. Having 
obtained some decisive victories over their native 
enemies, the Burmese became eager for a contest with 
the British, and made such aggressive manifestations 
that in 1824 Lord Amherst, the Governor-General, 
declared war in due form. 

The ignorance of the English with regard to the 
geography and resources of the Buni^ese territories 
caused some delay in the formation of their plans, but, 
nevertheless, measures for the capture of Rangoon were 
taken, and on the 11th of May that town was in pos- 
session of the foreign troops. The news of this event 
reached Ava Sunday, May 23d. Soon after a rumor 
was circulated that papers had been received from 
Bengal, which made known the purpose of the British 
to make an attack at that point. In consequence of 
this report certain Englishmen at Ava were examined. 
It was found that they had seen the papers, and they 
were put in confinement, and subsequently transferred 
to the death-prison. 

It being known that the American missionaries had 
frequent communications with Bengal, the suspicion 
that they were spies soon rested on them, but after 
examination they were allowed to return to their 
homes. They had but a short respite. On the 8th of 
June, as Mr. Judson was preparing for dinner, the 
veranda of his dwelling was suddenly thronged with 
people, and an officer, holding a black book, rushed 
in, ''accompanied by one who, from his spotted face, 



182 IMPRISONMENT, 



was known to be an executioner and a son of the 
prison. 'Where is the teacher?' was the first in- 
quiry. Mr. Judson presented himself. 'You are 
called by the king,' said the officer — a form of speech 
always used when about to arrest a criminal."* He 
was instantly seized, thrown on the floor, tightly bound 
with cords, and struck with the knees and elbows in 
the act of being secured. These cords were so firmly 
bound round his arms that the skin was cut. 

An offer of money on the part of Mrs. Judson drew 
the attention of the officer to her, and a command was 
given to the spotted face to take her likewise ; and but 
for the earnest entreaties of Mr. Judson that they 
would wait for further instructions, it is probable she 
would have been subjected to like indignities. It was 
in vain that the spotted face was entreated to take the 
silver and loosen the cords, and thus bound Mr. Jud- 
son was removed from his house. In a short time he 
w^as again thrown down, the cords drawn more tightly, 
and repeated strokes of the kuee made on his back, so 
as almost to induce fainting. Money was then de- 
manded for loosening the cords. " A Christian native, 
who had followed at a distance, now came forward 
and offered to go back for the money, but before his 
return the anguish endured was so great that Mr. Jud- 
son was obliged to appeal to the numerous b3'Standers. 
'Is there no one who knows me? Is there no one 
who will be my security for the money — no one who 
pities me ? I am a priest, and though a foreign one. 



* Two accounts were written by Mrs. Judson of the events of this 
period, one of which she addressed to Joseph Butterworth, Esq., of 
London, and the other to Dr. Elnathan Judson, a brother of the mis- 
sionary. An account from Dr. Price was also published shortly after- 
ward. 



Imprisonment. 183 



deserve not such indignity, such torture.' But none 
stepped forward, and the cruel monster persisted in 
tightening the cords until the arrival of Moung Ing, 
with ten ticals of pure silver, when his arms were 
somewhat relieved, so as to allow a more free respira- 
tion, and he was again hurried forward a distance of 
nearly two miles to the prison-house."* Here the or- 
der to commit the missionaries to the death-prison 
was read, According to Dr. Price it was very laconic. 
"P. and J. catch and put in prison." The dreaded 
functionary who presided over this fearful abode im- 
mediately took charge of Mr. Judson, who, having 
been fettered with three pairs of irons, was " strung" 
on a bamboo pole, on which were five foreign resi- 
dents, who had been taken a few hours before.f 

A few hours after Mr. Judson's capture. Dr. Price 
was seized and taken to the same dreary abode. His 
sensations on entering the prison he has thus de- 
scribed: "Horror of horrors ! what a sight! E'ever 
to my dying day shall I forget the scene ; a dim lamp 
in the midst, just making darkness visible, and discov- 
ering to my horrified gaze sixty or seventy wretched 
objects, some in long rows, made fast in the stocks, 
some strung on poles, some simply fettered; but all 
sensible of a new" accession of misery in the approach 
of a new prisoner. Stupefied, I stopped to gaze till, 
goaded on, I proceeded toward the farther end, when 
I again halted. A new and unexpected sight met my 
eyes. Till now I had been kept in ignorance of the 



* Dr. Price. 

t " At first," according to the testimony of Mr, Laird, one of the cap- 
tives, " the whole of the prisoners had a long bamboo passed between 
the legs, over the fetters, so that one leg rested on the bamboo and the 
other on the platform on which we lay." 



184 Imprisonment. 



fate of my companions ; a long row of white objects, 
stretched on the floor in a most crowded situation, re- 
vealed to me, however, but too well their sad case." 
In this company he found Mr. Judson. Though it might 
have been thought that the presence of his associate 
would have been almost a cause of gladness, yet our 
subject, altogether forgetful of himself, exclaimed to 
Dr. Price, " We all hoped you would have escaped, you 
were so long coming." 

"Here," writes Dr. Price, "side by side we were 
allowed the only gratification left, of condoling in the 
Burman language with each other. ' Now you are ar- 
rived, and our number is complete, I suppose they will 
proceed to murder us,' was the first thing suggested, 
and no one could say it was improbable. To prepare 
for a violent death, for immediate execution, was our 
consequent resolution. And now we began to feel our 
Strength, our Strong-hold, our Deliverer in this dark 
abode of misery. He who has said, ^ I will never 
leave you nor forsake you,' manifested his gracious 
presence ; a calm and sweet peace succeeded to our 
hurried minds, and alternate prayer and repeating of 
hymns soon brought our minds to a state of compara- 
tive gladness and joy. We became lifted above our 
persecutors, and the hymn containing the words 

' Let men of spite against me join. 
They are the sword, the hand is Thine,' 

was peculiarly applicable and refreshing." 

Thus did the Lord manifest his presence to his ser- 
vants, though they had no bed but the filthy, greasy 
floor of the prison, and were unable to move their bod- 
ies for the bamboo which passed through their limbs. 
At the same time the stench was almost intolerable : 



Imprisonment. 185 



and the night being rainy, the water found a ready 
entrance through the boards of their prison. 

In the morning the prisoners were let out a few min- 
utes into the fresh air. "Ye who ride for pleasure," 
exclaims Dr. Price, " believe me when I assert, you 
never enjoyed an hour worthy to be compared to these 
few minutes ; and then to get out into the fresh air ! 
The rain, the mud we heeded not. Our enjoyment was 
pure ; but, alas ! like all things here below, soon to 
cease. Again we were turned 'u, and, notwithstand- 
ing our remonstrances, again obliged to take our sta- 
tions as before." 

Mrs. Judson was placed under surveillance for the 
first two days of her husband's incarceration, but on 
the third day she was relieved from the presence of 
her guard, and having visited the governor, obtained 
from him an order for her admission to the pris- 
on. In her letter to Dr. Elnathan Judson, she says : 
"The sensations produced by meeting your brother in 
that wretched, horrid situation, and the affecting scene 
which ensued, I will not attempt to describe. Mr. 
Judson crawled to the door of the prison — for I was 
not allowed to enter — gave me some directions relative 
to his release ; but before we could make any arrange- 
ment, I was ordered to depart by those iron-hearted 
jailers, who could not endure to see us enjoy the poor 
consolation of meeting in that miserable place. In 
vain I pleaded the order from the Governor for my ad- 
mittance ; they again harshly repeated, ' Depart, or we 
will pull you out.' " 

Having made a payment of a hundred ticals for each 
of the missionaries, "the same evening," Mrs. Judson 
writes, " the missionaries, together with the other for- 
eigners, who paid an equal sum, were taken out of the 



186 Imprisonment 



common prison, and confined in an open shed in the 
prison inclosure. Here I was allowed to send them 
food, and mats to sleep on ; but was not permitted to 
enter again for several days." 

Although relieved from some physical discomforts, 
Mr. Judson was still the subject of great mental suffer- 
ing. The lot of a prisoner of war in more civilized 
countries exceeds in its discomforts that of a criminal, 
on account of its uncertainties. But a prisoner on ac- 
count of war, subject to the power of a government 
which knew nothing of moral responsibility, and in- 
flicted on its own subjects tortures and death in accord- 
ance wdth any whim which it might liappen to enter- 
tain, had every thing to fear. One of the first scenes 
which the missionaries were compelled to behold was 
the torture of a criminal, whose shoulders and hip joints 
were almost or quite dislocated by the ingenious appli- 
ances of Burman cruelty. "We only anticipated," 
Dr. Price says, '^in every contortion and groan of the 
unhappy man the state we might soon be in." Then 
there was reason for great alarm on account of the 
keeper to wdiose charge they were chiefly committed, 
for, like most Burman constables, he was a reprieved 
malefactor. As described by Mr. Crawfurd, who saw 
him in 1826, he was " an old man of sixty, lean, and 
of a most villainous countenance. He was by birth 
of the tribe of the Kyens, had murdered his master, 
and had a large circle on each cheek, with the Burman 
words ' Lu that,' or man-killer, in very large letters on 
his breast." This man seemed to delight in the suffer- 
ings of those committed to his charge. In addition to 
these things, Mr. Judson thought of a wife just re- 
turned from the refined society of England and Amer- 
ica, liable to all the savage cruelties he was enduring. 



Imprisonment. 187 



Already she had been threatened with violence, and in 
every effort to minister to him she vt^as at fearful peril. 
What might befall her it was impossible to conjecture, 
but as her husband pondered on the variety of evils 
which beset her pathway, his mind had cause for con- 
stant agitation. 

The presence of Mrs. Judson, though a cause of 
anxiety, was nevertheless an incalculable blessing. 
Her heroic and unfaltering intercessions with those in 
authority, combined with her personal ministry for 
his relief, to all human appearance, were indispensable 
to the preservation of his life. Little did either im- 
agine, when she returned to Burmah, the purposes to 
which her restored health was to be devoted ; but it 
is not difficult for us to see an interposition of Divine 
mercy in giving her back to her husband with recruited 
energies at this period. Infinite Wisdom had appointed 
that he should be tried as with fire ; and yet there was 
to be some mercy in the terrible baptism. Amid even 
his sorrow he might have exclaimed — 

*' Thy ways, Lord, with wise design, 
Are framed upon Thy throne above, 
And every dark and bending line 
Meets in the center of Thy love." 

When first incarcerated, Mrs. Judson entertained 
considerable hope that relief might be found for her 
afflicted partner if she could secure the favorable re- 
gard of the queen. 'No person being admitted into 
the palace who was in disgrace with the king, she de- 
termined to see the sister-in-law of her majesty, hoping 
to interest her in his behalf This interview she has 
described: "I had visited her in better days, and 
received particular marks of her favor. But now 
times were altered ; Mr. Judson was in prison, and I 



188 Imprisonment 



in distress, which was a sufficient reason for giving me 
a cold reception. I took a present of considerable 
value. She was lolling on her carpet as I entered, with 
her attendants around her. I waited not for the usual 
question to a suppliant, ' What do you want V but in a 
bold, earnest, yet respectful manner, stated our dis- 
tresses and our wrongs, and begged her assistance. 
She partly raised her head, opened the present I had 
brought, and coolly replied, ' Your case is not singular ; 
all the foreigners are treated alike.' 'But it is singu- 
lar,' said I; 'the teachers are Americans; they are 
ministers of religion, have nothing to do with war or 
politics, and came to Ava in obedience to the king's 
command. They have never done any thing to deserve 
such treatment, and is it right they should be treated 
thus ?' ' The king does as he pleases,' said she ; 'I am 
not the king; what can I do?' 'You can state their 
case to the queen, and obtain their release,' replied I. 
'Place yourself in my situation; were you in America, 
your husband, innocent of crime, thrown into prison, 
in irons, and you a solitary, unprotected female, what 
would you do?' With a slight degree of feeling, she 
said, 'I will present your petition; come again to-mor- 
row.'" 

Mrs. Judson "returned to the house with consider- 
able hope that the speedy release of the missionaries 
was at hand." The morrow came, and it may be believed 
that with no small degree of interest she sought to 
learn the result of her appeal. Alas ! her " hopes were 
dashed" b}^ the announcement — "I stated your case to 
the queen, but her majesty replied, ' The teachers will 
not die ; let them remain as they are^ " 

After hearing this sentence, which, she records, was 
" like a thunder-clap to my feelings," Mrs. Judson, on 



Impeisonment. 189 



her way home, attempted to enter the prison-gate, but 
was refused admittance, and for the ten days following, 
notwithstanding her daily efforts, was not allowed to 
enter. " We attempted," she says, " to communicate 
by writing, and after being successful for a few days, 
it was discovered; the poor fellow who carried the 
communications was beaten and put in the stocks, and 
the circumstance cost me about ten dollars, besides 
two or three days of agony for fear of the consequences." 

Afterward they discovered other and safer methods 
of correspondence. Mrs. Judson says : ^' The means 
which we invented for communication were such as 
necessity alone could have suggested. At first I wrote 
to him on a flat cake baked for the purpose, and buried 
it in a bowl of rice ; and in return he communicated 
his situation on a piece of tile, on which, when wet 
with water, the writing became invisible, but when 
dried, perfectly legible. But after some months' expe- 
rience, we found the most convenient as well as safest 
mode of writing was to roll up a chit and put it in the 
long nose of a coftee-pot in which I sent his tea. These 
circumstances may appear trivial, but they serve to 
show to what straits and shifts we were driven ; it was 
a crime of the highest nature to be found making com- 
munications to a prisoner, however nearly related." 

After being repulsed by the queen's sister-in-law, 
Mrs. Judson says in her letter to Mr. Butterworth : "I 
felt ready to sink down in despair, as there was then 
no hope of Mr. Judson's release from another quarter; 
but a recollection of the judge in the parable, who, 
though he feared not God, nor regarded man, was moved 
by the importunities of a widow, induced me to resolve 
to continue my visits until the object was attained. 
But here also I was disappointed ; for after entreating 



190 Impkisonment. 



her many times to use her influence in obtaining the 
release of the missionaries, she became so irritated at 
my perseverance that she refused to answer my ques- 
tions, and told me by her looks and motions that it 
would be dangerous to make any further effort." 

Though so often disappointed, Mrs. Judson's efforts 
for the release of the prisoners were not intermitted. 
" For the seven following months," she writes, "hardly 
a day passed that I did not visit some one of the mem- 
bers of government or branches of the royal family, 
in order to gain their influence in our behalf; but the 
only benefit resulting was, their encouraging promises 
preserved us fi-om despair, and induced a hope of the 
speedy termination of our difdculties, which enabled 
us to bear our distresses better than w^e otherwise should 
have done. I ought, however, to mention that, by my 
repeated visits to tlie different members of government, 
I gained several friends, who were ready to assist me 
with articles of food, though in a private manner, and 
who used their influence in the palace to destroy the 
impression of our being in any way engaged in the 
present war. But no one dared to speak a word to the 
king or queen in favor of a foreignt?* while there were 
such continual reports of the success of the English 
arms." 

Such were some of the events without the prison, 
but it is difiicult for any to realize what passed within. 
Day after day, week after week, and month after month 
of confinement and anxiety passed in the three pairs 
of fetters. The "continual extortions and oppres- 
sions" of the first seven months, one of Mrs. Judson's 
letters declares "indescribable." "Sometimes sums 
of money were demanded, sometimes pieces of cloth, 
and handkerchiefs ; at other times an order would be 



Imprisonment. 191 



issued that the white foreigners should not speak to 
each other, or have any communication with their 
friends without. Then, again, the servants were for- 
bidden to carry in their food without an extra fee." 

In January, 1825, Mrs. Judson became the mother 
of a little girl. In remembrance of the kindness she 
had received in England in the family of Joseph But- 
terworth, Esq., the child was named Maria Eliza But- 
terworth Judson. When this child was twenty days 
old, she caused her to be carried to the prison as she 
went to visit her husband. It is difficult for man to 
conceive of a more touchino^ scene than the subse- 
quent interview. Mr. Judson at this time composed 
some verses which, though they have been frequently 
printed, it would be unpardonable to omit. 



LINES ADDRESSED TO AK" INFANT DAUGHTER, TWENTY DAYS OLD, 
IN THE CONDEMNED PRISON AT AVA. 

Sleep, darling infant, sleep, 
Hushed on thy mother's breast ; 
Let no rude sound of clanking chains 
Disturb thy balmy rest. 

Sleep, darling infant, sleep, 
Blest that thou canst not know 
The pangs that rend thy parents' hearts, 
The keenness of their woe. 

Sleep, darling infant, sleep ; 
May Heaven its blessings shed. 
In rich profusion, soft and sweet, 
On thine unconscious head! 

Why ope thy little eyes ? 
What would my darling see ? 
Her sorrowing mother's bending form ? 
Her father's misery ? 



192 Imprisonment. 



Wouldst view this drear abode, 
Where fettered felons lie, 
And wonder that thy father here 
Such place should occupy ? 

Wouldst mark the dreadful sights 
That stoutest hearts appall — 
The stocks, the cord, the fatal sword, 
The torturing iron mall ? 

No, darling infant, no : 

Thou seest them not at all ; 
Thou only mark'st the rays of light 
That flit along the wall. 

Thine untaught infant eye 
Can nothing clearly see ; 
Sweet scenes of home and prison scenes 
Are all the same to thee. 

Stretch, then, thy little arms, 
And roll thy vacant eye ; 
Reposing on thy mother's breast 
In soft security. 

Go, darling infant, go ; 
Thine hour is past away ; 
The jailer's voice, in accents harsh, 
Forbids thy longer stay. 

God grant that we may meet 
In happier times than this, 
And with thine angel-mother dear, 
Enjoy domestic bliss. 

But should the gathering clouds 
That Burmah's sky o'erspread 
Conduct the fatal vengeance down 
Upon thy father's head. 

Where couldst tho\i shelter find ? 
And whither wouldst thou stray ? 
What hand support thy tottering steps 
And guide thy darkling way ? 



Imprisonment. 193 



There is a God on high, 
The glorious King of kings ; 
'Tis He to whom thy mother prays, 
Whose love she sits and sings. 

That glorious God, so kind. 
Has sent his Son to save 
Our ruined race from sin and death, 
And raise them from the grave. 

And to that covenant God 
My darling I commend ; 
Be thou the helpless orphan's stay, 
Her Father and her Friend. 

Inspire her infant heart 
The Saviours love to know, 
And guide her through this dreary world— 
This wilderness of woe. 

Thou sleep'st again, my lamb. 
And heed'st not song nor prayer ; 
Go, sleeping in thy mother's arms, 
Safe in a mother's care. 

And when in future life 

Thou know'st thy father's tongue, 
These lines will show thee how he felt — 
How o'er his babe he sung. 

During all the time of Mr. Jiidson's incarceration 
the war had been proceeding in the lower provinces 
of the empire, and with disastrous results to the Bur- 
mese, l^evertheless, they still showed no disposition 
to treat for peace. In the beginning of 1825, Sir Ar- 
chibald Campbell, the commander of the British forces, 
seeing it was evident that the war would be indefi- 
nitely protracted, unless he carried his conquests into 
the heart of the country, resolved to march on Prome. 
This proceeding on his part, while it intimidated the 
powers at Ava, caused them to meditate further, if 

9 



194 Imprisonment. 



not fatal, vengeance on the foreigners whom they held 
in captivity. The effect of their designs Mr. Judson 
was soon made to know. For some time, while the 
other white prisoners had lived in an open shed, he 
had been permitted to occupy a small bamboo room 
his wife had made for him, in which he was much by 
himself, and where he had sometimes the privilege of 
her company for two or three hours at a time. One 
morning .in March this little room was torn down, and 
his mat, pillow, etc., taken by his jailers, and himself 
and the other white prisoners thrust into the inner 
prison, and live pairs of fetters placed on each. This 
treatment, though very severe, was, it was afterward 
found, by no means equal to the directions which had 
been given by persons high in authority. 

Mrs. Judson determined to see the governor, on 
whom her appeals had been often successful, to know 
tlie cause of this new oppression. In the morning, 
on going to his house, she saAv his wife, who was 
ordered to tell her "not to ask to have the addi- 
tional fetters taken off, or the prisoners released, for 
it could not be done." Nevertheless, she resolved 
to see the governor, and in the evening again re- 
paired to his house. The interview she has thus de- 
scribed : "He was in his audience room, and, as 1 
entered, looked up without speaking, but exhibited a 
mixture of shame and affected anger in his counten- 
ance. I began by saying, ' Your lordship has hitherto 
treated us with the kindness of a father. Our obliga- 
tions to you are very great. We have looked to you 
for protection from oppression and cruelty. You have 
in many instances mitigated the sufferings of those un- 
fortunate though innocent beings committed to your 
charge. You have promised me particularly that you 



Imprisonment. 195 



would stand by me t(^ the last, and though you should 
receive an order from the king, you would not put 
Mr. Judson to death. What crime has he committed 
to deserve such additional punishment?' The old 
man's hard heart was melted, for he wept like a child. 
'I pity you, Tsa-yar-ga-dau (a name by which he 
always called me); I knew you would make me feel ; I 
therefore forbade your application. But you must 
believe me when I say I do not wish to increase the 
sufferings of the prisoners. "When I am ordered to 
execute them, the least that I can do is to put them 
out of sight. I will now tell you,' continued he, 'what 
I have never told you before, that three times I have 
received intimations from the queen's brother to assas- 
sinate all the white prisoners privately : but I would 
not do it. And I now repeat it, though I execute all 
the others, I will never execute your husband. But I 
can not release him from his present confinement, and 
you must not ask it.' I had never seen him manifest 
so much feeling, or so resolute in denying me a favor, 
which circumstance was an additional reason for 
thinking dreadful scenes were before us." 

The situation of the prisoners Mrs. Judson describes 
as "distressing beyond description. It was at the 
commencement of the hot season. There were above 
a hundred prisoners shut up in one room, without a 
breath of air, excepting from the cracks in the boards. 
I sometimes obtained permission to go to the door for 
five minutes, when my heart sickened at the wretch- 
edness exhibited. The white prisoners, from incessant 
perspiration and loss of appetite, looked more like the 
dead than the living. I made daily applications to 
the governor, offering him money, which he refused ; 
but all that I gained was permission for the foreigners 



196 Imprisonment. 



to eat their food outside, and this continued but a 
short time." 

To the tender frame of Mr. Judson, already worn 
down by his sufferings, these added severities were 
productive of serious consequences. After a month's 
incarceration 

"Within a dungeon, mildewed by the night, 
Barred from salubrious air and cheering light," 

he was taken with a fever. "I felt assured," Mrs. 
Judson writes, "he would not live long, unless re- 
moved from that noisome place. The governor, being 
worn out with my entreaties, at length gave me the 
order, in an official form, to take Mr. J. out of the 
large prison, and place him in a more comfortable 
situation, and also gave orders to the head jailer to 
allow me to go in and out, all times of the day, to ad- 
minister medicines, etc. I now felt happy indeed, and 
had Mr. J. instantly removed into a little bamboo 
hovel, so low that neither of us could stand upright — 
but a palace in comparison to the place he had left." 

Two or three da3^s had been passed in this seeming 
"palace," when further miseries passed upon them. 
The most distinguished Burman general, Bandoola, 
having been killed in battle, " the pakan woon, who, 
a few months before, had been so far disgraced by the 
king as to be thrown into prison and irons, now offered 
himself to head a new army, that should be raised on 
a different plan from those which had hitherto been 
raised, and assured the king, in the most confident 
manner, that he would conquer the English, and re- 
store those places that had been taken, in a very short 
time." 

In consequence of his exaltation to power, an order 
was issued for the removal of the white prisoners to 



Imprisonment. 19T 



Oung-pen-la, a place situated beyond Amarapoora, 
some ten or twelve miles from Ava. This removal was 
sudden and unexpected. Mrs. Judson, in order to visit 
her husbandj was accustomed to carry his food to the 
prison herself. She had brought his breakfast to him 
one morning, which in consequence of fever he was un- 
able to take, and had remained longer than usual, when 
she was summoned to visit the governor. Immediately 
after she had gone out, "one of the jailers rushed into 
Mr. Judson's little room, roughly seized him by the arm, 
pulled him out, stripped him of all his clothes except- 
ing shirt and pantaloons, took his shoes, hat, and all his 
bedding, tore off his chains, tied a rope around his 
waist, and dragged him to the court-house." Here he 
was bound to another of his companions in misery, and 
" delivered into the hands of the lamine-woon, who 
went on before them on horseback, while his slaves 
drove the prisoners, one of the slaves holding the rope 
which connected two of them together." In this man- 
ner they proceeded on their march. Mrs. Judson de- 
scribes it : 

" It was in May, one of the hottest months in the 
year, and eleven o'clock in the day, so that the sun 
was intolerable indeed. They had proceeded only half 
a mile, when your brother's feet became blistered ; and 
so great was his agony, even at this early period, that 
as they were crossing the little river, he ardently longed 
to throw himself into the water to be free from misery. 
But the sin attached to such an act alone prevented. 
They had then eight miles to walk. The sand and 
gravel were like burning coals to the feet of the pris- 
oners, which soon became perfectly destitute of skin, 
and in this wretched state they were goaded on by 
their unfeeling drivers, leaving behind, as they passed 



198 Imprisonment. 



along, the bloody tracks of their raw and lacerated 
feet." Some idea of the truthfulness of this descrip- 
tion may be gained from the fact that Mr. Judson's feet 
were torn in such a manner tliat for six weeks he was 
not able to stand. 

In speaking of this journey, Dr. Dowling has sug- 
gested that "a march like this of eight or nine miles, 
under a burning sun, with naked feet, exposed to the 
scorching sand and the sharp gravel, would have been 
a severe infliction even for a healthy man, how much 
more so for these poor suffering victims, whose limbs 
were stiffened and bruised with the torturing fetters 
they had so long worn, and whose bodies were emaci- 
ated with the privations and sickness of their protracted 
and painful imprisonment." As his wife remarks : 
" Mr. Judson's debilitated state, in consequence of fe- 
ver, and having taken no food that morning, rendered 
him less capable of bearing such hardships than the 
other prisoners." 

It is no wonder, exhausted with the travel to 
which he was exposed that he thought even the heart 
of a barbarian might show some sympathy. " When 
about half way on their journey, as they stopped for 
water," he " begged the lamine-woon to allow him to 
ride his horse a mile or two, as he could proceed no 
farther in that dreadful state." 

To this petition " a scornful, malignant look was all 
the reply that was made ;" but nevertheless He who suf- 
fereth not a sparrow to fall unnoticed to the ground, 
had provided him a yoke-fellow who was a strong, 
healthy man, and to him, as a companion in misfortune, 
he applied for help, begging to be allowed to "take 
hold of his shoulder, for he was fast sinking. This the 
kind-hearted man granted for a mile cr two, but then 



Imprisonment. 199 



found the additional burden insupportable. Just at 
that period, Mr. Gouger's Bengalee servant came up to 
them, and, seeing the distresses of your brother, took 
off his head-dress, which was made of cloth, tore it in 
two, gave half to his master, and half to Mr. Judson, 
which he instantly wrapped round his wounded feet, 
as they were not allowed to rest even for a moment. 
The servant then offered his shoulder to Mr. Judson, 
who was almost carried by him the remainder of the 
way."* Through this man's assistance he reached the 
court-house at Amarapoora. 

To one of the prisoners, an old man, named Constan- 
tine, a Greek, the journey proved fatal. He was taken 
out of the prison at Ava in perfect health, but was so 
overcome by the sun that he fell down on the way. 
" His inhuman drivers beat and dragged him until they 
themselves were wearied, when they procured a cart, 
in which he was carried the remaining two miles. 
But the poor creature expired in an hour or two after 
their arrival at the court-house." Mr. Judson consid- 
ered that had it not been for the BengpJee servant he 
should have shared his fate. 

When the company arrived at Amarapoora, the 
" lamine-woou, seeing the distressing state of the pris- 
oners, and that one of their number was dead, concluded 
they should go no farther that niglit ; otherwise they 
would have been driven on until they reached Oung- 
pen-la the same day. An old shed was appointed for 
their abode during the night, but without even a mat 
or pillow, or any thing to cover them. The curiosity of 
the lamine-woon's wife induced her to make a visit to 
the prisoners, whose wretchedness considerably exci- 

* Letter to Dr. Elnathan Judson. 



200 Imprisonment. 

ted her compassion, and she ordered some fruit, sugar, 
and tamarinds for their refreshment; and the next 
morning, rice was prepared for them, and poor as it 
was, it was refreshing to the prisoners, who had been 
almost destitute of food the day before." 

None of the prisoners being able to walk, carts were 
provided, and they were thus conveyed to the prison 
at Oung-pen-la, an old, shattered and roofless building. 

In the journey thus taken they were '' entirely igno- 
rant of what was to become of them, and when they 
arrived at Oung-pen-la, and saw the dilapidated state 
of the prison, they immediately, all as one, concluded 
that they were to be burned, agreeably to the report 
w^iich had been previously in circulation at Ava. They 
all endeavored to prepare themselves for the awful 
scene anticipated, and it was not until they saw prep- 
arations making for repairing the prison, that they had 
the least doubt that a cruel, lingering death awaited 
them." 

Mr. Judson had been at this new abode but two 
hours, and was sitting under a low^ projection outside 
of the prison, probably meditating on the sorrows and 
trials of his noble wife, when on lifting his eyes he saw 
her approaching with her babe. By great persever- 
ance, and after a night of indescribable agony she had 
discovered his destination, and hastened to share the 
sorrows of his new place of captivity. It is no*t won- 
derful that, with his affection for her, he exclaimed, 
" Why have you come ? I hoped you w^ould not follow, 
for you can not live here." 

At Oung-pen-la " the prisoners were at first chained 
two and two ; but as soon as the jailers could obtain 
chains sufficient they were separated, and each prisoner 
had but one pair. While they were coupled, Mr. Jud- 



Imprisonment. 201 



son had Dr. Price for his associate. Though the journey 
proved so fearful an ordeal, yet in this new place of cap- 
tivity he was much more comfortably situated than in 
the city prison. One pair of fetters was used instead 
of three or five, and " when recovered from his fever 
and wounds he was allowed to walk in the prison in- 
closLire. In addition to this, ''a large airy shed" was 
"erected in front of the prison, where the prisoners 
were allowed to remain during the day, though locked 
up in the little close prison at night." 

This comparative relief did not extend beyond the 
body. Mrs. Judson has spoken of Oung-pen-la as 
" that never-to-'be-f OT gotten place r To her it proved the 
scene of greatest trial ; for her privations far exceeded 
any she had been called to endure at Ava. It was, 
therefore, a place in w^hich her husband experienced 
great mental anguish. Her sole abode was a little 
filthy room in the jailer's house. This was half filled 
with grain, and she was destitute of even a chair or 
other household conveniences. The very morning af- 
ter her arrival a native child whom she had taken with 
her from Ava was seized with small-pox, and shortly 
after little Maria took the same disease, and over three 
months passed before her recovery. She was herself 
taken sick with a disease peculiar to the country ; and 
after making a journey to Ava with great difficulty for 
medicines, returned to crawl on to a mat in the jailer's 
house, and laid sick for more than two months. 

As Mrs. Judson's sickness deprived her child of its 
usual sustenance, the jailer, having been bribed by 
presents, allowed Mr. Judson to come out of his prison 
to seek aid in the village. Scarcely is it possible to 



conceive of a more affectino: sisrht than that which 
was presented when a man, whose memory all Chris- 

9* 



202 - Imprisonment. 



tendom honors, walked barefooted in shirt and panta- 
loons through Oung-pen-la, carrying the " emaciated 
creature around the village to beg a little nourishment 
from those mothers who had young children." 

During all these afflictions, the caprice and arbitran- 
cies of the keeper of the prison often proved a cause 
of bitter sorrow. " Sometimes our jailer,'- Mrs. Jud- 
son says, " seemed a little softened at our distress, and 
for several days together allowed Mr. Judson to come 
to the house, which was to me an unspeakable conso- 
lation. Then, again, they would be as iron-hearted in 
their demands as though we were free from suffer- 
ings." Perhaps tlie reader may form some judgment 
of this iron-heartedness from the statement of Mr. 
Laird, that, to extort money from him, he was four or 
five times put into the stocks, and had to pay four 
times for the fetters he had on. 

In this incarceration subsequently, Mr. Judson and 
fellow-prisoners escaped the lot which was intended 
for them. The village of Oung-pen-la was the native 
place of the pakan-woon, and it was his intention in 
sending them thither to massacre them at the head of 
his army, which was to march through Oung-pen-la 
for the purpose. But about a month after he was 
raised to power he was suspected of treason, and put 
to death by being trod upon by elephants. 

AYhile Mr. Judson was detained in Oung-pen-la, 
hostilities had been continued, and with such success 
on the part of the British, that the Burmans began to 
find it necessary to negotiate, and a capable interpre- 
ter being indispensable, an order was issued for him 
to repair to Ava. Here he was again placed in prison, 
but the next day he was sent to the Burman camp at 
Maloun. In going there he was " crowded into a little 



Impkisonment. 208 



boat, where lie had not room sufficient to lie down, 
and where his exposure to the cold, damp nights threw 
him into a violent fever, which had nearly ended all 
his sufferings. He arrived at Maloun on the third 
day, when, ill as he was, he was obliged to enter im- 
mediately on the work of translating. He remained 
at Maloun six weeks, suffering as much as he had at 
any time in prison, excepting he was not in irons, nor 
exposed to the insults of those cruel jailers." 

At the end of this time, and within five minutes' 
notice, he was returned to Ava. " On his way up the 
river, he accidentally saw the communication made to 
government respecting him, which was simply this: 
' We have no further use for Yoodthan ; we therefore 
return him to the golden city.' " Mrs. Judson having 
heard of his arrival, sent a message to the governor 
of the north gate, who had formerly shown a disposi- 
tion to oblige them, begging him to intercede to pre- 
vent his return to prison. He immediately presented 
a petition to the high court of the empire, offered him- 
self as Mr. Judson's securit}^, and obtained his release. 

Our missionary no sooner felt himself at liberty, 
than he directed his way to his own former residence. 
Here he found his heroic companion slowly recovering 
from the spotted fever, which, from its usual fatal 
character and the want of medical assistance, she had 
expected would prove fatal ; and, indeed, so nearly had 
her expectations been realized, that she had been pro- 
nounced dead by her attendants. For the satisfaction 
of his surety, Mr. Judson made his residence with 
him, and as soon as returning health would allow, Mrs. 
Judson was removed there. 

While the events narrated above were taking place, 
Grener^l Campbell, wearied with the dissimulation of 



204 Imprisonment. 



the Bnrmans, recommenced operations, and' with his 
victorious forces was making his way toward the cap- 
ital. Tlie king and his advisers had several times re- 
jected the terms offered by the English commander ; 
but they were now greatl}^ humiliated, and, anxious 
to save the " golden citj^," sought to reopen negotia- 
tions. Mr. Judson was entreated to go as their repre- 
sentative to the English camp ; but he declined, and 
advised their sending Dr. Price, who had no objection 
to the ambassage. In accordance with this proposi- 
tion, the latter was sent in company with Dr. Sand- 
ford, an English officer who had been taken prisoner. 
They were not able to induce General Campbell to 
abate the terms which he had offered, any further than 
procuring permission that the hundred lacs of rupees 
he had demanded should be paid in four installments. 
In addition to this, he gave intimation in strong terms 
that all the foreign prisoners must be surrendered. 

Fresh disasters induced the Burraan government to 
yield to the terms of the British general so far as to 
send Dr. Price with some of the prisoners, and with 
an offer of a part of the money. In this second ambas- 
sage he was, of course, unsuccessful. Meantime the 
British forces were continuing their wa}", and each day 
saw them nearer the capital. This decisive movement 
filled the Burmans with alarm, and they determined 
to make Mr. Judson their ambassador. He was ac- 
cordingly taken by force and associated with Dr. Price. 
Six lacs of rupees and most of the English prisoners 
were sent down with them. Mr. Judson found, as 
previously reported, that the terms must be scrupu- 
lously complied with. " The general and commissioner 
would not receive the six lacs, neither would they stop 
their march ; but promised if the sum complete reached 



Impeisonment. 205 



them before they should arrive at Ava, they would 
make peace. The general also commissioned Mr. Jiid- 
son to collect the remaining foreigners, of whatever 
country, and ask the question, before the Burmese 
government, wliether they wished to go or stay. Those 
who expressed a wish to go should be delivered up 
immediately, or peace would not be made." 

Satisfied that further dissimulation and delay must 
prove hazardous, the Burmans determined to yield all 
demands. 

Is'ow came the time of deliverance. Mrs. Judson 
says : "In two days from the time of Mr. Judson's re- 
turn, we took an affectionate leave of the good-natured 
officer who had so long entertained us at his house, and 
who now accompanied us to the water-side, and we 
then left forever the banks of Ava. 

" It Avas on a cool moonlisrht evenins^ in the month 
of February- that, with hearts filled with gratitude to 
God, and overflowing with joy at our prospects, we 
passed down the Irrawaddy, surrounded by six or eight 
golden boats, and accompanied by all we had on earth. 
The thought that we had still to pass the Burman camp 
would sometimes occur to damp our joy ; for we feared 
that some obstacle might there arise to retard our pro- 
gress. IS'or were we mistaken in our conjectures. We 
reached the camp about midnight, where we were de- 
tained two hours, the woon-gyee and high officers in- 
sisting that tve should wait at the camp, while Dr. 
Price, who did not return to Ava with your brother, 
but remained at the camp, should go on with the money, 
and first ascertain whether peace would be made. 



* Hitherto printed " March," but it is obviously an error, as it seems 
they arrived at the British camp February 22d. 



206 Impkisonment. 

The Burmese government still entertained the idea 
that, as soon as the English had received the money 
and prisoners, they would continue their march, and 
yet destroy the capital. We knew not but that some 
circumstance might occur to break off the negotiations. 
Mr. Judson therefore strenuously insisted that he would 
not remain, but go on immediatel}^ The officers were 
finally prevailed on to consent, hoping much from Mr. 
Judson's assistance in making peace. 

"We now for the first time for more than a year and 
a half felt that we were free, and no longer subject to 
the oppressive yoke of the Burmese. And with what 
sensations of delight on the next morning did I behold 
the masts of the steamboat, the sure presage of being 
witliin the bounds of civilized life ! As soon as our 
boat readied the shore. Brigadier A. and another officer 
came on board, congratulated us on our arrival, and 
invited us on board the steamboat, where I passed the 
remainder of the da^^, while your brother went on to 
meet the general, who, with a detachment of the army, 
had encamped at Yandabo. a few miles farther down 
the river. Mr. Judson returned in the evening, with 
an invitation from Sir Archibald to come immediately 
to his quarters, where I was the next morning intro- 
duced, and received with the greatest kindness by the 
general, who had a tent pitched for us near his own, 
took us to his own table, and treated us with the kind- 
ness of a father, rather than as strangers of another 
country." 

Two days after their arrival at Yandabo, the treaty 
of peace was signed, and the following day Dr. Judson 
wrote once more to America. It may gratify the reader 
to peruse his account, so Paul-like in its terse enumer- 
ation of afflictions : 



Impeisonment. 207 



British Camp, Yandabo, February 25, 1826. 

Reverend and dear Sir — We survive a scene of suffering which, 
on retrospect at the present moment, seems not a reality, but a horrid 
dream. We are occupying a tent in the midst of Sir Archibald Camp- 
bell's staff, and are receiving from him and other British officers all 
manner of kind attentions, proportionate to the barbarities we have 
endured for nearly two years. 

I was seized on the 8th of June, 1824, in consequence of the war with 
Bengal, and, in company with Dr. Price, three Englishmen, one Arme- 
nian, and one Greek, was thrown into the " death-prison" at Ava, where 
we lay eleven months — nine months in three pairs, and two months in 
five pairs, of fetters. The scenes we witnessed and the sufferings we 
underwent during that period I would fain consign to oblivion. From 
the death prison at Ava we were removed to a country prison at Oung- 
pen-la, ten miles distant, under circumstances of such severe treatment 
that one of our number, the Greek, expired on the road, and some of 
the rest, among whom was myself, were scarcely able to move for sev- 
eral days. It was the intention of government, in removing us from 
Ava, to have us sacrificed, in order to insure victory over the foreign- 
ers ; but the sudden disgrace and death of the adviser of that measure 
prevented its execution. I remained in the Oung-pen-la prison six 
months in one pair of fetters, at the expiration of which period I was 
taken out of irons, and sent under a strict guard to the Burmese head- 
quarters at Maloun, to act as interpreter and translator. Two months 
more elapsed, when, on my return to Ava, I was released at the in- 
stance of Moung Shaw-loo, the north governor of the palace, and put 
under his charge. During the six weeks I resided with him, the affairs 
of government became desperate, the British troops making steady ad- 
vances on the capital; and after Dr. Price had been twice dispatched 
to negotiate for peace (a business which I declined as long as possible), 
I was taken by force and associated with him. We found the British 
above Pugan, and on returning to Ava with their final terms, I had 
the happiness of procuring the release of the very last of my fellow- 
prisoners ; and on the 21st inst. obtained the reluctant consent of gov- 
ernment to my final departure from Ava with Mrs. Judson. 

On my first imprisonment, the small house which I had just erected 
was plundered, and every thing valuable confiscated. Mrs. Judson, 
however, was allowed to occupy the place, which she did until my re- 
moval to Oung-pen-la, whither she followed. Subsequently to that 
period she was twice brought to the gates of the grave ; the last time 
with the spotted fever, while I was absent at Maloun. She had been 
senseless and motionless several days, when the providential release of 
Dr. Price at the very last extremity gave an opportunity for such ap- 



208 Imprisonment. 



plications as were blessed to her relief. On my return I was aston- 
ished to find her in the most emaciated, helpless state, not having heard 
a word of her illness. She, however, rapidly recovered, and is now in 
perfect health. Even little Maria, who came into the world a few 
months after my imprisonment, to aggravate her parents' woes, and 
who has been, from very instinct it would seem, a poor, sad, crying 
thing, begins to brighten up her little face, and be somewhat sensible 
of our happy deliverance. 

The treaty of peace was signed yesterday by the respective plenipo- 
tentiaries, according to the terms of which, the province of Arracan, 
and the small provinces of Ya Tavoy and Mergui in the south are ceded 
to the British. It was this consideration chiefly that induced me to 
embrace the first opportunity of leaving Ava, whei'e the only object I 
had in settling was to obtain some toleration for the Christian religion — 
a favor which I hope now to enjoy without leave from his golden-footed 
majesty. 

Sir Archibald has assigned us a large gun-boat for our accommoda- 
tion down the river, and we expect to leave this in a very few days. 

Respectfully yours, 

A. JuDsoN, Jr. 

Rev. Dk. Baldwi.v.* 

Mr. and Mrs. Judson remained in the British camp 
a fortnight.- At the end of that time, with a most 
grateful sense of the kindness of Sir Archibald Camp- 
bell and his officers, tliey resumed their voyage down 
the river in the boat provided for them. On the 22d 
of March, Mrs. Judson was able to write: "We have 
safely arrived in Rangoon, and once more find our- 
selves in the old mission-house ! What shall we ren- 
der to the Lord for all his mercies?" 

Thus, after an absence of two years and three months, 
our missionary returned to the same place of abode he 
had occupied previous to the war. In the light then 
possessed, it is not wonderful that we should find Mrs. 
Judson writing, " A review of our trip to and adven- 

* Dr. Baldwin did not live to receive this joyful intelligence. His 
decease occurred in August, 1825. 



Impkisonment. 209 



tures in Ava often excites the inquiry, ' Whj were we 
permitted to go V ' What good has been effected V " 
In reference to the same subject. Mr. Judson, writing 
to Dr. Bolles, says, his sufferings, '' it would seem, have 
been unavailing to answer any valuable missionary 
purpose, unless so far as they may have been silently 
blessed to our spiritual improvement and capacity for 
future usefulness." To those who are acquainted with 
the history of his life previous to this period, it is diffi- 
cult to assign a reason for this chastisement; but to 
Omniscience it may have appeared necessary. 

" Kind, loving is the hand that strikes, 
HoweYer keen the smart, 
If sorrow's discipline can chase 
One evil from the heart." 

The captivity at Ava, and other sorrowful appoint- 
ments, may have tended to fit him for the eminent ser- 
vices he was permitted in after times to render to the 
cause of Christ. Those who find it difficult to under- 
stand such appointments of God in his providence, 
must remember that while "clouds and darkness are 
round about him, righteousness and judgment are his 
habitation forever." 

Although for " missionary purposes" these almost 
overwhelming trials seemed at the first retrospect un- 
availing, yet the missionary in after years doubtless 
was able to see divine purposes, which at the time 
were not realized. In the fearful experiences of his 
captivity, God was in some measure answering his 
prayers. He had cried earnestly to him for a "little 
toleration," and he whose liberal bestowments so 
often exceed the thoughts of his servants, was determ- 
ined to give a wide door for missionary labor which 



210 Imprisonment. 



the capricious despotism of Burman rulers should not 
be able to close. But when this wide door was opened, 
who was to go up and possess the land ? There was 
no missionary organization on which demands fully- 
equal to its resources were not already made. The 
only probability of its being occupied was by some 
powerful appeal to the sympathies, pra^^ers, and liber- 
ality of Christians bearing the Baptist name, who had 
hitherto seemed too indifferent to the enterprise. The 
long suspense in which the Christian world was held 
concerning the fate of the missionaries at Ava, and the 
intelligence subsequently received of their hardships, 
endurance, and deliverance, led to an interest in Christ- 
ian missions which contributed to a far more efficient 
occupancy than, judging by the interest previously 
manifested, there was any reason to hope» 



FIKST YEAR OF A :N^EW ERA. 

"But ttiou liast folly known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, 
faitli. long-suffering, ciiarity, patience, persecutions, aflOictions." — 2 
Tim. iii. 10, 11. 

IT is customary to date a new era in the Burman mis- 
sion from the close of the war. A large territory 
was then acquired by the Bengal government, pre- 
senting an extensive field for evangelization, while it 
aiforded safety from the intolerance to which hitherto 
the missionaries had been exposed. The first year of 
this new era seemed in its beginning to promise to our 
missionary the " happier times" for which he had 
prayed in his captivity ; but it proved one of the most 
painful of his whole life. E'evertheless, among the 
records of this period are to be found evidences of the 
integrity of his principles and the power of his faith 
which may fill the reader with admiration. 

When Mr. Judson obtained his release from captiv- 
ity, his thoughts were turned to Mergui or Tavoy, as 
the scene of his future labors. But after arriving at 
Rangoon, that place being in the possession of the 
British, he determined to await a little, on account of 
the probability of the founding of a new town in the 
neighborhood of Martaban, on the dividing line be- 
tween the British and Burmese territories. The pros- 
pect that this new town would draw a large population 
from the Burman side, while it would be more a cen- 



212 ^iRST Year of a New Era. 

tral location, and from the superior productiveness of 
the adjacent country, prove a place of greater trade, 
seemed to show that it would be better suited for a mis- 
sion-station than either of the places first contemplated. 

While thus waiting for the founding of the new 
town, Mr. Judson was invited to accompany Mr. Craw- 
furd, the British commissioner, to select a spot for its 
location. Although averse to secular employments, 
he felt in this case, in serving the government, he could 
also promote the object of his mission, and determined 
to comply with the request. He left Rangoon with 
the commissioner in the steam-vessel Diana, March 
31st, and the following day they came to anchor off the 
new territory. 

The next day Mr. Judson records that all were 
"out early in the morning with the animation of new 
discoverers — Mr. Crawfurd and other gentlemen of the 
party aspiring to the honor of founding a town which 
shall rival the most celebrated ports of the East, and 
extend the interest and honor of their king and coun- 
try ; myself, while far from being indifferent to the 
same objects, yet animated by higher hopes and more 
extended prospects." After four days' search, a spot 
off Kyaikamee, to which all were at first favorably in- 
clined, was selected, and it was determined formally 
to found the new town the following day. Accord- 
ingly he writes in his journal, April 6, as follows : 

" Repaired to the beach, under a bold cliff, on the 
north-western side of the promontory, in company with 
the civil and military authorities present, when, by 
command of the commissioner, the British flag was 
hoisted, and, under fire of a royal salute and discharge 
of musketry, the place was taken possession of in the 
name of the king and the honorable company, and the 



FiEST Year of a ISTew Eka. 213 

ceremonies concluded by reading the sixtieth chapter 
of Isaiah, and presenting an appropriate prayer. Des- 
ignation of the new place — Amhekst." 

The English commissioner, in his " Embassy to 
Ava," thus speaks of our missionary in connection with 
this occasion : " The Rev. Mr. Judson pronounced 
his benediction in a feeling prayer." In a foot note 
he adds: "The following appropriate scriptural quota- 
tions, introduced by Mr. Judson, may be considered 
as specimens of the good taste and judgment of my 
amiable friend: 'The abundance of the sea shall be 
converted unto Thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall 
come unto Thee.' ' For brass I will bring gold, and 
for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and 
for stones iron ; I will also make thy officers peace, 
and thy exactors righteousness.' ' Violence shall no 
more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction 
wdthin thy borders.' " These quotations, it will be 
seen, were selected from the chapter he had read. In 
view of his experience and knowledge of the " officers" 
and " exactors" who had hitherto held power, there 
was doubtless an earnest desire in his heart that the 
land might have, in its new masters, those who were 
nearer to the type which inspiration suggested for his 
prayer. 

Strange must have been the feelings of the mission- 
ary, as he stood on the company's territory, "invited" 
there by its servants, and officiating as chaplain at the 
founding of a new capital. Thirteen years before he 
had been peremptorily commanded to "leave" its 
possessions ! " When a man's ways please the Lord, 
he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." 

Mr. Judson returned to Rangoon on the 9th of 
April. A few days after, he records the resolve of 



214 FiKST Year of a New Eka. 

Mrs. Judson and himself to be the first settlers in Am- 
herst. Believing that the Lord directed a change in 
his habitation, like as the children of Israel bore the 
tabernacle with them, so he took down the zayat, in- 
tending to send the boards by an early conveyance to 
the new town. To his record of having leveled an 
erection in which he had so often been favored with 
evidences of Divine goodness, he added, " May the 
blessing of Grod rest on it as in days of old." 

On his release from Ava Mr. Jndson found that the 
disciples and inquirers had been much scattered, and 
several had deceased. Some who survived he met 
with on his passage down the river. To these he gave 
notice of his intention of settling in the conquered 
provinces. Others he found in Rangoon. Immedi- 
ately that the location of the new^ town was determined 
on, and Mr. Judson's purpose to settle there known, 
most of these resolved to remove there. 

With the prospects presented in the new prov- 
inces, Mr. Judson was indisposed to listen to any 
proposal which would divert him from his work. Be- 
fore even he had left the British camp, at Yandabo, 
he was urgently importuned so far to forego his mis- 
sionary labor as to become " interpreter to govern- 
ment." After a prayerful consideration, himself and 
wife concluded it would occupy so large a part of his 
time as to make him almost useless to the mission, and 
the appointment was declined, l^evertheless, specious 
reasons presented themselves in its favor, both of per- 
sonal enrichment and of economy to the mission, in 
the fact that a salary was attached to the office equiv- 
alent to about three thousand dollars per annum. 
Mrs. Judson gives us a glimpse of the seeming ad- 
vantages it presented, and the principle on which it 



First Yeak of a New Era. 215 

was refused, in a letter to her sisters: "So you see, 
my sisters, if we had a wish to accumulate property, 
what an opportunity we ha'^e had. It is true, some- 
thing might be said abont saving money for the mis- 
sion in this way ; but there is a much greater call 
for entire and exclusively devoted missionaries than 
for money. Our friends, we doubt not, will supply all 
our necessary wants, while we shall be able to spend 
our strength and our energies for the spiritual good of 
the Burmans, and avoid those temptations attached to 
a public situation in the world." Many Christians 
would have viewed a favorable providence in this 
offer, but the parties concerned regarded it as a test of 
their consistency to their consecration. 

It Avas probably in consequence of this proposal that 
the following emphatic avowal was made by Mr. Jud- 
son : " I long for the time when we shall be able to 
re-erect the standard of the Gospel, and enjoy once 
more the stated worship and ordinances of the Lord's 
house. I feel a strong desire henceforth to know 
nothing among this people but Jesus Christ, and him 
crucified ; and under an abiding sense of the compara- 
tive worthlessness of all earthly things, to avoid every 
secular occupation, and all literary and scientific pur- 
suits, and devote the remainder of my days to the 
simple declaration of the precious truths of the Gospel 
of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.""^ 

Though such was Mr. Judson's resolution, yet he 
was afterward induced to yield his objection to secu- 
lar employment, so far as to consent to spend three or 
four months in the service of the government, by ac- 
companying an embassage, under Mr. Crawfurd, to 

* Letter to Dr. Bolles, March 25, 1826. 



216 First Year of a New Era. 

Ava, to complete a trdlity with the Burmese king, and 
make arrangements with regard to the boundary lines 
of the possessions of the two governments. To this 
proposal he at first gave a decided negative, but at 
length an inducement was presented which led him to 
comply. This was the pledge of Mr. Crawfurd to use 
his interest to "procure the insertion of an article in 
the treaty favorable to religious toleration — an object 
which," Mr. Judson writes, " I have had at heart so 
many years, and which, though now, on account of 
the opening in the south provinces, not so necessary 
as formerly, is yet greatly favorable to the gradual in- 
troduction of religion into all parts of the country, 
from the station which we propose occupying." 

It seemed reasonable to hope that if a guaranty was 
given by the British authorities, that the subjects of 
the Burman empire should not be interfered with in 
the observance of their religious rites, when in the ter- 
ritories of the company, that the king might be in- 
duced to reciprocate such toleration. 

While the embassy was waiting final orders from 
Bengal, being desirous of making a commencement 
of missionar}^ efifort in the new territory, and more 
especially as longer delay would disappoint those of 
the converts who had already gone there, Mr. Judson 
removed his family to Amherst. A comfortable tem- 
porary home was found them in a house kindly vacated 
for Mrs. Judson's accommodation by the civil superin- 
tendent. 

All things now appeared so favorable for the prose- 
cution of the work of evangelization, that it is not 
strange that we find Mr. Judson very unwilling to 
leave his new station. At the same time it seemed 
probable that at Amherst the hopes of domestic hap- 



FiKST Year of a I^ew Era. 217 

piness, which sometimes had cheered the sorrows of 
his captivity, might be realized. But he was ever 
careful that his own ease or comfort should not inter- 
fere with duty. Whenever he found himself tending 
to a decision which promised to advance his individual 
happiness, the grounds of it were examined the more 
carefully. The fact that the journey to Ava called for 
so much self-denial, was almost an argument in favor 
of its being undertaken. 

Mr. Judson returned to Rangoon, to join the em- 
bass}^, July 9th. Three days afterward, in acknowl- 
edging the benevolence of a friend, he gave an 
account of his impressions of his new station, and the 
sacrifice he felt in leaving it : 

Rangoon-, Jvly 12. 1826. 

My dear Sir. — Your very handsome present of three hundred ru- 
pees ai'rived most opportunely to enable Mrs. Judson to build a tem- 
porary mission-house, and set up a small school at Amherst, for which 
purposes no appropriation had been made by our managing committee 
at home. I left her there, a few days ago, in the house of Captain 
Fenwick, civil supei-intendent, who, immediately on our arrival, va- 
cated it for her present accommodation, and who exerted himself in 
every possible way to render her situation comfortable during my 
absence. 

We found several of the native converts who had preceded us to that 
place, and built the first native houses that encroached on the jungle, 
and disturbed the deer and wild-fowl which had been the undisputed 
occupants of the peninsula. Two of the men, whose names you may 
recollect — Moung Shwa-ba and Moung Ing — I have long intended for 
assistants in the mission, and I have now advised that one of them be 
immediately employed in the school, and the other as an itinerant 
missionary among the new settlers. 

Mrs. Judson is delighted with her situation and prospects, though 
all around her is yet wild, and she can expect but very little society 
at present. There are about fifty houses, chiefly native, exclusive of 
the military cantonment, and officers' houses, about a mile distant, on 
the west side of the peninsula ; but after the rainy season the influx 
of native population will probably be very great. The harbor proves 
to be safe and commodious, and the place evidently possesses capabili- 

10 



218 First Yeak of a New Era, 



ties and resources which must render it, in time, a point of consider- 
able importance. 

It was with great reluctance that I left Amherst and returned to 
this place, to accompany the embassy to Ava, according to my engage- 
ment with Mr. Crawfurd — an engagement which he obtained by long 
solicitation, and finally by holding out a temptation that I could not, 
or rather thought it not my duty to resist : he pledged himself to use 
his utmost interest to secure in the commercial treaty which he is 
commissioned to negotiate with the court at Ava, an article in favor of 
religious toleration, on principles of reciprocity ; the Burman govern- 
ment engaging not to persecute their subjects who may embrace the 
Christian religion, and the British government securing a similar 
privilege to their subjects in behalf of the religion of Gaudama. I 
sincerely hope that the business of the embassy will be accomplished 
in three or four months, and that I shall reach Amherst and recom- 
mence missionary operations in November next. 

Your donation to the mission, and that of Mr. , I regard as 

peculiarly valuable, because uninfluenced by solicitation, personal at- 
tachment, or desire of human praise, and therefore affording assurance 
of having originated in those motives which alone are acceptable in the 
sight of our blessed Lord ; assurance also of being accompanied and 
followed by that spirit of prayer for the mission which invests the do- 
nation with its greatest value. 

Mrs. Judson and myself feel much gratified that our missionary 
efforts have attracted your notice and obtained your approbation ; and 
begging for a continued interest in your good wishes and prayers, 
I remain, my dear sir, yours, with much affection and respect, 

A. Judson, Jr. 

After some delay the final orders for the envoy were 
received from Bengal. In these instructions the im- 
portance of '* consulting with Mr. Judson, and others 
best acquainted with the character, customs, and feel- 
ing of t!ie Burmese," was recognized, affording proof 
of the estimation in which his services were held. 

They left Rangoon September 1st, in the steamboat 
Diana. On their way np, tlie vessel was frequently 
brought to anchor, and an opportunity afforded to 
visit the towns and villages on the banks of the river. 
Although Mr. Judson did not at this time engage in 
any regular missionary services, yet he was not forget 



FiEST Year of a New Eka. 219 

ful of his vocation. Evidence of this was found in sub- 
sequent years. In an excursion which Mr. Kincaid 
made along the Irrawaddy, in 1835, he states that 
while reading and conversing in one of the monasteries, 
an elderly priest brought forward the catechism, copied 
on palm leaf. On inquiring how it was obtained, Mr. 
Kincaid was informed that he received it from a teacher 
who came up the river on o^fire ship. 

The Diana reached Ava in four weeks. The com- 
missioner did not, however, obtain an interview with 
the king till October 21st. The hopes of Mr. Judson 
were entirely disappointed. Nothing could be gained 
in the way of toleration. " Reluctant as the govern- 
ment has ever been to enter into any stipulations with 
a foreign power, they resolved to do nothing more 
than they were obliged by the treaty of Yandabo ; and 
as that required them to make a commercial treaty, 
they resolved to confine their discussions to points 
strictly of that character ; so that instead of a treaty 
of twenty-two articles, calculated to place the relations 
of the two countries on the most liberal and friendly 
footing, the treaty just concluded is confined to four, 
and those utterly insignificant." 

In procuring this treaty the commissioner and Mr. 
Judson were subjected to long and vexatious delays 
by the procrastinating and frivolous usages of the 
Burman court. To the missionary the diversion of his 
time, after so long a suspension of his appropriate 
labors, was no small sacrifice ; but in assisting to 
make a treaty which secured such inconsiderable re- 
sults, we may suppose that the negotiations were 
almost as chafing to his spirit in the king's palace as 
his incarceration in the death-prison. 

While waiting on the Burman court a sad event 



220 First Yeak of a New Eea. 

occurred. This was the death of Mrs. Judson, which, 
he says, "has not only thrown a gloom over all my 
future prospects, but has forever embittered my recol- 
lections of the present journey." 

The particulars connected with Mrs. Judson's decease 
are well known through her memoir ; but as the reader 
doubtless desires to behold our subject in every aspect, 
a letter is here inserted which presents him as the Chris- 
tian mourner. 

TO MRS. HASSELTINE, OF BRADFORD, MASS. 

AvA, December 7, 1826. 

Dkar Mother Hasseltine — This letter, though intended for the 
whole family, I address particularly to you ; for it is a mother's heart 
that will be most deeply interested in its melancholy details. I propose 
to give you, at different times, some account of my great, irreparable 
loss, of which you will have heard before receiving this letter. 

I left your daughter, ray beloved wife, at Amherst, the 5th of July 
last, in good health, comfortably situated, happy in being out of the 
reach of our savage oppressors, and animated in prospect of a field of 
missionary labor opening under the auspices of British protection. 
It affords me some comfort that she not only consented to my leav- 
ing her, for the purpose of joining the present embassy to Ava, but 
uniformly gave her advice in favor of the measure, whenever I hesita- 
ted concerning my duty. Accordingly I left her. On the oth of July 
I saw her for the last time. Our parting was much less painful than 
many others had been. We had been preserved through so many tri- 
als and vicissitudes, that a separation of three or four months, attended 
with no hazards to either party, seemed a light thing. We parted, there- 
fore, with cheerful hearts, confident of a speedy reunion, and indulging 
fond anticipations of future years of domestic happiness. After my re- 
turn to Rangoon, and subsequent arrival at Ava, I received several let- 
ters from her, written in her usual style, and exhibiting no subject of 
regret or apprehension, except the declining health of our little daugh- 
ter, Maria. Her last was dated the 14th of September. She says : "I 
have this day moved into the new house, and, for the first time since 
we were broken up at Ava, feel myself at heme. The house is large 
and convenient, and if you were here I should feel quite happy. The na- 
tive population is increasing very fast, and things wear rather a favor- 
able aspect. Moung Ing's school has commenced with ten scholars, and 
more are expected. Poor little Maria is still feeble. I sometimes hope 



First Year of a New Era. 221 

she is getting better ; then, again, she declines to her former weakness. 
When I ask her where papa is, she always starts up, and points toward 
the sea. The servants behave very well, and I have no trouble about 
any thing, excepting you and Maria. Pray take care of yourself, par- 
ticularly as it regards the intermittent fever at Ava. May God preserve 
and bless you, and restore you in safety to your new and o/£?home, 
is the prayer of your affectionate Ann." 

On the 3d of October, Captain F., civil supei-intendent of Amherst, 
writes : " Mrs. Judson is extremely well." Why she did not write her- 
self by the same opportunity, I know not. On the 18th, the same gen- 
tleman writes : " I can hardly think it right to tell you that Mrs. Jud- 
son has had an attack of fever, as before this reaches you she will, I 
sincerely trust, be quite well, as it has not been so severe as to reduce 
her. This was occasioned by too close an attendance on the child. 
However, her cares have been rewarded in a most extraordinary manner, 
as the poor babe at one time was so reduced that no rational hope could 
be entertained of its recovery ; but at present a most favorable change 
has taken place, and she has improved wonderfully. Mrs. Judson had 
no fever last night, so that the intermission is now complete." The ten- 
or of this letter was such as to make my mind quite easy, both as it re- 
garded the mother and the child. My next communication was a letter 
with a black seal, handed me by a person saying he was sorry to have 
to inform me of the death of the child. I know not whether this was a 
mistake on his part, or kindly intended to prepare my mind for the real 
intelligence. I went into my room, and opened the letter with feelings 
of gratitude and joy, that at any rate the mother was spared. It was 
from Mr. B., assistant superintendent of Amherst, dated the 26th of 
October, and began thus : 

My dbak Sir : To one who has suffered so much, and with such exemplary fortitude, 
there needs but little preface to tell a tale of distress. It were cruel indeed to torture 
you with doubt and suspense. To sum up the unhappy tidings in a few words, Mrs. 
Judson is no more. 

At intervals I got through with this dreadful letter, and proceed to 
give you the substance as indelibly engraven on my heart : 

Early in the month she was attacked with a most violent fever. From the first she 
felt a strong presentiment that she should not recover, and on the 24th, about eight in 
the evening, she expired. Dr. E. was quite assiduous in his attentions, both as a friend 
and physician. Capt. F. procured her the services of a European woman from the 45th 
regiment; and be assured all was done that could be done to comfort her in her suffer- 
ings, and to smooth the passage to the grave. We all deeply feel the loss of this ex- 
cellent lady, whose shortness of residence among us was yet sufficiently long to nipress 
us with a deep sense of her worth and virtues. It was not untU about the 2nt that 
Ur. E. began seriously to suspect danger. Before that period the fever had abated at 
intervals ; but its last approach baffled all medical sliill. On the morning of the 8d, 
Mrs. Judson spoke for the last time. The disease had then completed its conquest and 



222 First Year of a New Era. 



from that time up to the moment of dissolution, she lay nearly motionless, and appa- 
rently quite insensible. Yesterday morning I assisted in the last melancholy office of 
putting her mortal remains in the coffin, and in the evening her funeral was attended 
by all the European officers now resident here. We have buried her near the spot 
where she first landed, and I have put up a small, rude fence around the grave, to pro- 
tect it from incautious intrusion. Your little girl, Maria, is much better. Mrs. W. has 
taken charge of her, and I hope she will continue to thrive under her care 

Two days later, Captain Fenwick writes thus to a friend in Rangoon : 

I trust that you will be able to find means to inform our friend of the dreadful loss 
he has suffered. Mrs. Judson had slight attacks of fever from the 8th or 9th instant, 
but we had no reason to apprehend the fatal result. I saw her on the 18th, and at that 
time she was free from fever, scarcely, if at all, reduced. I was obliged to go up the 
countrj- on a sudden business, and did not hear of her danger until my return on the 
24th, on which day she breathed her last, at 8 p. m. I shall not attempt to give you 
an account of the gloom which the death of this most amiable woman has thrown over 
our small society. You, who wi re so well acquainted with her, must feel her loss more 
deeply ; but we had just known her long enough to value her acquaintance as a bless- 
ing in this remote corner. I dread the effect it M-ill have on poor Judson. I am sure 
you will take every care that this mournful intelligence may be opened to him as care- 
fully as possible. 

The only other communication on this subject that has reached me, 
is the following line from Sir Archibald Campbell to the envoy : " Poor 
Judson will be dreadfully distressed at the loss of his good and amiable 
wife. She died the other day at Amherst, of remittent fever, eighteen 
days ill." 

You perceive that I have no account whatever of the state of her 
mind, in view of death and eternity, or of her wishes concerning her 
darling babe, whom she loved most intensely. I hope to glean some in- 
formation on these points from the physician who attended her, and the 
native converts who must have been occasionally present. 

I will not trouble you, my dear mother, with an account of my own 
private feelings — the bitter, heart-rending anguish which for some 
days would admit of no mitigation, and the comfort which the Gospel 
subsequently afforded — the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings life 
and immortality to light, Blessed assurance — and let us apply it afresh 
to our hearts — that, while I am writing and you perusing these lines, 
her spirit is resting and rejoicing in the heavenly paradise — 

" "Where glories shine, and pleasures roll 
That charm, delight, transport the soul, 
And every panting wish shall be 
Possessed of boundless bliss in Thee." 

And there, my dear mother, we also shall soon be, uniting and par- 
ticipating in the felicities of heaven with her for whom we now mourn. 
• Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.' " 

The anguisli of Mr. Judson on receiving the intelli- 



FiKST Year of a New Era. 223 

gence of this bereavement, it will be seen as described 
by himself, was "bitter and heart-rending." Dr. Price, 
who was at that time resident at the Burman capital, 
writes in his journal November 24th and following day : 
"The mighty loss to our mission can not speedily be 
repaired. I spent the afternoon with my afflicted broth- 
er, who is overwhelmed with a load, an insupportable 
load of grief. ""^ 

The Christian world can appreciate the grief of the 
missionary. In a report presented to the American 
Baptist Board, by one of its committees in the follow- 
ing year, this language is employed concerning Mrs. 
Judson. " She was the bosom friend of him who led 
the way to all that American Christians have been the 
means of accomplishing toward the conversion of the 
heathen in distant lands. She was his only companion 
when he entered the Burman empire. In that remote 
land of darkness and cruelty, she had toiled with him 
more than fourteen years, including the period of an 
absence on account of her declining state of health ; 
and she had toiled amidst almost inconceivable diffi- 
culties, amidst daily perils, amidst the sorrows of a 
mother looking down on the newly-made grave of her 
first-born and only son ; amidst the temptations of the 
gay and powerful on the one hand, and the oppressions 
practiced by the avaricious and malignant on the other ; 
amidst flatteries and reproaches ; amidst the alarm and 
dangers of war, and the raging of the heathen ; haz- 

* Two days after, while at Sakaing, condoling with Mr. Judson, Dr. 
Price was summoned to attend his own wife, Ma Noo, a Burman, who 
had been suddenly attacked with cholera. The next day both were 
mourners. Mr. Judson, in recording her decease, mentions her as the 
fifth Burman whom he trusted had entered" the rest that remainech to 
the people of God." 



224 First Year of a New Era. 

arding her life to lighten the fetters of her husband, 
and minister food and consolation to the missionaries 
in prison." And we have reason to add that her sym- 
pathies were not confined to them. After the English 
prisoners were released, the " overflowings of grateful 
feelings" compelled one of their number to render pub- 
lic thanks through a Calcutta newspaper, on behalf of 
himself and fellow-prisoners, to that " amiable and hu- 
mane female who, though living at a distance of two 
miles from our prison, without any means of convey- 
ance, and very feeble in health, forgot her own comfort 
and infirmity, and almost every day visited us, sought 
out and administered to our wants, and contributed in 
every way to alleviate our misery. While we were all 
left by the government destitute of food, she, with un- 
wearied perseverance, by some means or other, obtained 
for us a constant supply. When the tattered state of our 
clothes evinced the extremity of our distress, she was 
ever ready to replenish our scanty wardrobe. When 
the unfeeling avarice of our keepers confined us inside, 
or made our feet fast in the stocks, she, like a minister- 
ing angel, never ceased her applications to the govern- 
ment, until she was authorized to communicate to us 
the grateful news of our enlargement, or of a respite 
from our galling oppressions." 

The physician who attended her in her last illness, 
it will be seen, ascribed the fatal termination of her 
disease " chiefly to the weakness of her constitution 
occasioned by the severe and long-protracted sufi'erings 
she endured at Ava." With this testimony, it seems as 
if a wrong would be done her memory if, with the high- 
est estimation of her piety, zeal, and fortitude in life, 
we should think of her in death and not remember that 
the stone under the hopia-tree marks a martyr's grave. 



First Yeak of a New Era. 225 

To those who are familiar with her history, all at- 
tempts at eulogy appear impertinent. ^Wherever the 
Gospel is preached she will have her memorial, and 
generations to come will approve the words of that 
bereaved husband, who pronounced her "one of the 

FIRST or WOMKSr, THE BEST OF ^^VES." 

The news of this bereavement reached Ava the 
day after the signing of the treaty. On the 12th of 
December the Diana commenced her return voyage. 
In the beginning of the year Mr. Judson had passed 
down the river filled with sensations of delight, and 
indulging the fondest anticipations of domestic fe- 
licity. Little did he then imagine that at its close 
he would be again leaving the golden city, and with 
emotions so difierent. At Rangoon, where the steam- 
boat stayed a few days, he found war prevailing, the 
Peguans having risen upon their Burman oppressors. 
This caused a great destruction of property. From 
one of the highest roofs within the stockade Mr. Jud- 
son obtained a view of the mission-house, but it was 
quite in ruins. On arriving at Amherst, he found 
that place in a state of decay, owing to the fact that 
Sir Archibald Campbell, having fixed his head-quar- 
ters at Maulmain, the majority of the settlers had 
been attracted thither. Thus all things, both at his 
old and new station, seemed to symbolize the calam- 
ities which had befallen himself. He arrived at this 
latter place January 24th. The following letter to 
Mrs. Hasseltine was written, it will be seen, a few days 
after : 

Amherst, February 4, 1827. 

Amid the desolation that death has made, I take up my pen once 

more to address the mother of my beloved Ann. I am sitting in the 

house she built, in the room where she breathed her last, and at a 

window from which I see the tree that stands at the head of her grave, 

. 10^ 



226 First Year of a New Era, 



and the top of the " small, rude fence" which they have put up " to 
protect it from incautious intrusion." 

Mr. and Mrs. Wade are living in the house, having arrived here 
about a month after Ann's death ; and Mrs. Wade has taken charge of 
my poor, motherless Maria. I was unable to get any accounts of the 
child at Rangoon, and it was only on my arriving here, the 24th ulti- 
mo, that I learned she was still alive. Mr. Wade met me at the land- 
ing-place, and as I passed on to the house, one and another of the na- 
tive Christians came out, and when they saw me they began to weep. 
At length we reached the house, and I almost expected to see my love 
coming out to meet me as usual. But no ; I saw only in the arms of 
Mrs. Wade a poor, little, puny child, who could not recognize her 
weeping father, and from whose infant mind had long been erased all 
recollection of the mother who loved her so much. 

She turned away from me in alarm, and I, obliged to seek comfort 
elsewhere, found my way to the grave. But who ever obtained com- 
fort there ? Thence I went to the house in which I left her, and looked 
at the spot where we last knelt in prayer, and where we exchanged 
the parting kiss. 

The doctor who attended her has removed to another station, and 
the only information I can obtain is such as the native Christians are 
able to communicate. 

It seems that her head was much aflfected during her last days, and 
she said but little. She sometimes complained thus : " The teacher is 
long in coming, and the new missionaries are long in coming ; I must 
die alone, and leave my little one ; but as it is the will of God, I acqui- 
esce in his will. I am not afraid of death, but I am afraid T shall not 
be able to bear these pains. Tell the teacher that the disease was most 
violent, and I could not write; tell him how I suffered and died; tell 
him all that you see ; and take care of the house and things until he 
returns." When she was unable to notice any thing else, she would 
still call the child to lier, and charge the nurse to be kind to it, and 
indulge it in every thing until its father should return. The last day 
or two she lay almost senseless and motionless on one side, her head 
reclining on her arm, her eyes closed ; and at eight in the evening, with 
one exclamation of distress in the Burman language, she ceased to 
breathe. 

February 7. — I have been on a visit to the physician who attended 
her in her illness. He has the character of a kind, attentive, and 
skillful practitioner, and his communications to me have been rather 
consoling. I am now convinced that every thing possible was done, 
and that had I been present myself, I could not have essentially con- 
tributed to avert the fatal termination of the disease. The doctor was 



FiEST Yeak of a iSTEw Eea. 227 



with her twice a day, and frequently spent the greater part of the 
night by her side. He says that, from the first attack of fever, she 
was persuaded she should not recover ; but that her mind was uni- 
formly tranquil and happy in the prospect of death. She only ex- 
pressed occasional regret at leaving her child and the native Christian 
schools, before her husband or another missionary family could arrive. 
The last two days she was free from pain. On her attention being 
roused by reiterated questions, she replied : " I feel quite well, only 
very weak." These were her last words. 

The doctor is decidedly of opinion that the fatal termination of the 
fever is not to be ascribed to the localities of the new settlement, but 
chiefly to the weakness of her constitution, occasioned by the severe 
privations and long-protracted sufferings she endured at Ava. 0, with 
what meekness, and patience, and magnanimity, and Christian fortitude 
she bore those sufferings ! And can I wish they had been less ? Can 
I sacrilegiously wish to rob her crown of a single gem ? Much she saw 
and suffered of the evil of this evil world, and eminently was she qual- 
ified to relish and enjoy the pure and holy rest into which she has en- 
tered. True, she has been taken from a sphere in which she was sin- 
gularly qualified by her natural disposition, her winning manners, her 
devoted zeal, and her perfect acquaintance with the language, to be 
extensively serviceable to the cause of Christ; true, she has been torn 
from her husband's bleeding heart, and from her darling babe; but 
infinite wisdom and love have presided, as ever, in this most afflicting 
dispensation. Faith decides that it is all right, and the decision of 
faith eternity will soon confirm. 

I have only time to add — for I am writing in great haste, with very 
short notice of the present opportunity of sending to Bengal — that poor, 
little Maria, though very feeble, is, I hope, recovering from her long 
illness. She began, indeed, to recover while under the care of the lady 
who kindly took charge of her at her mother's death ; but when after 
Mr. Wade's arrival she was brought back to this house, she seemed to 
think that she had returned to her former home, and had found in 
Mi's. Wade her own mother. And certainly the most tender, affection- 
ate care is not wanting to confirm her in this idea. 

I remain, my dear mother, yours, in the deepest sorrow, 

A. JuDSON, Jr. 

At tliis point of our narrative we may introduce a 
record of his disinterestedness in connection with his 
visit to Ava. On the return of the embassy, on the 
application of tlie commissioner to the supreme gov- 
ijrnment, four thousand Sicca rupees were ordered to 



L 



228 FiKST Yeak of a Xew Era. 

be paid him, in consideration of his services, and 
twelve hundred on account of a loss by robbery at 
Rangoon. He also received presents at Ava, which 
he subsequently sold for two thousand rupees. All 
this, being above four thousand dollars American 
money, in making out his account for the year 1826, 
lie put to the credit of the American Baptist Board for 
Foreign Missions. So scrupulously exact was his ac- 
count, that he charged the board for his own allowance 
as a married missionary for ten months, and then for 
two months as a single laborer, appending a note, 
"Mrs. Judson died October 24th." He thought it 
seldom justifiable for a missionary to turn away from 
his work, and when such circumstances did arise, he 
felt that justice demanded that if there was any pecu- 
niary profit it ought not to be devoted to personal 
enrichment. 

Immediately after his release from captivity we 
have seen that our missionary expressed his ardent 
desire to erect again the standard of the Gospel. His 
connection with the embassy, and his long detention 
at Ava, caused the execution of his cherished purpose 
to be delayed for several months. But his sense of 
the importance of resuming his work was not in any 
way impaired, and great as were the sorrows occa- 
sioned by his bereavement, missionary labors were re- 
sumed January 28, 1827, the first Lord's day after his 
return from Ava. He whites in his journal: "This 
day I recommenced worship in Burmese, after an in- 
termission of two years and a half" Thus he showed, 
though the sorrows of his bereavement caused him to 
contemplate his work with diminished pleasure, that 
he was not forgetful or negligent of his great purpose. 

A month after his return, in connection with Mr. 



First Year of a ]S"ew Era. 229 

Wade, our subject recognized the first Burman 
preacher in the person of Moung Ing. The circum- 
stance is thus referred to in his journal : 

'-'- February \?>. — At the evening meeting, which is at- 
tended by the native Christians Tuesdays and Fridays, 
Moung Ing expressed his desire to undertake a mis- 
sionary excursion to Tavoy and Mergui. We were all 
particularly pleased with the proposal, as originating 
with himself, and indicating a state of mind particu- 
larly favorable to the spread of the Gospel. 

'^February 25, LordJs Day. — After the usual worship 
we set apart Moung Ing for the work to which we 
trust he is called by the Spirit of God, appointing him 
a preacher of the Gospel and teacher of the Christian 
religion, without the charge of any church or power 
to administer the ordinances — an appointment similai 
to that which, in our churches, commonly precedes 
ordination as a pastor or evangelist, in the higher 
sense of the word. And being thus commended to 
the grace of God, he embarked on a native boat bound 
to Tavoy. May the Divine Spirit accompany, and 
guide, and prosper the first Burman preacher we have 
ever sent forth." 

In the beginning of April Mr, Judson wrote : " We 
have been much occupied of late in completing the 
mat houses which Mrs. Judson had begun, and in 
clearing away the trees and underwood in the vicinity 
of the mission premises. We have now room for my- 
self and brother Wade's family." 

In this house he was soon called again to drink the 
cup of affliction. His little daughter, Maria, deceased 
April 24th. The following letter, addressed to Mrs. 
Hasseltine, was written immediately after this new be- 
reavement : 



230 FiKST Year of a New Era. 



Amherst, April 26, 1827. 

My dear Mother Hasseltine— My little Maria lies by the side 
of her fond mother. The complaint to which she was subject several 
months proved incurable. She had the best medical advice, and the 
kind care of Mrs. Wade could not have been, in any respect, exceeded 
by that of her own mother. But all our efforts, and prayers, and 
tears could not propitiate the cruel disease; the work of death went 
forward, and after the usual process, excruciating to a parent's heart, 
she ceased to breathe on the 24th instant, at 3 o'clock, p. m., aged two 
years and three months. We then closed her faded eyes, and bound 
up her discolored lips, where the dark touch of death first appeared, 
and folded her little hands on her cold breast. The next morning we 
made her last bed in the small inclosure that surrounds her mother's 
lonely grave. Together they rest in hope, under the hope tree (hopia), 
which stands at the head of the graves; and together, I trust, their 
spirits are rejoicing after a short separation of precisely six months. 

And I am left alone in the wide world. My own dear family I have 
buried ; one in Rangoon and two in Amherst. What remains for me 
but to hold myself in readiness to follow the dear departed to that 
blessed world, 

" Where my best friends, my kindred, dwell, 
Where God, my Saviour, reigns ?" 

I remain, my dear mother, yours, 

A. JUDSON. 

Tlie following letter to the sisters of his late wife, it 
will be seen, was written some time after the melan- 
choly bereavements which occurred to Mr. Judson. It 
is, however, proper to insert it in this place : 

Maulmain, December 4, 1827. 
My dear Sisters — It is a most affecting thought to me, that when 
you were expressing your feelings for my poor motherless Maria, and 
requesting that she might be sent home, that very day, perhaps hour, 
death was laying his stiffening hand on her little emaciated form, and 
turning a deaf, pitiless ear to her agonized father, and the yearning 
wishes of dear distant relatives Death mocks at us, and tramples our 
dearest hopes and our lives in the dust. Dreadful tyrant, offspring 
and ally of sin ! But go on now and do thy worst. Thy time will 
come. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death ! Yes, awful 
power, thou shalt devour thyself and die; and then my angelic Ann, 
and my meek, blue-eyed Roger, and my tender-hearted, affectionate. 



FiKST Yeak of a ISTew Eea. 231 



darling Maria, my yenerable father,* you, my dear sisters, that still 
remain, our still surviving parents, and, I hope, myself, though all 
unworthy, shall all be rescued from the power of death and the grave ; 
and when the crown of life is set on our heads, and we know assuredly 
that we shall die no more, we shall make heaven's arches ring with 
songs of praise to Him who hath loved us, and washed us from our 
sins in his own blood. 

It is also an affecting thought, that when sister M, was writing hers 
of the 24th of October, 1826, that very day, perhaps hour, the object 
of her sisterly love was just becoming incapable of reciprocating the 
affectionate salutation. Her head was reclining on her arm. She was 
thinking, I doubt not, of her absent husband, her distant parents and 
sisters, and above all, of her poor, sickly, orphan child, whose plain- 
tive cries she could no more hush. And she thought, I doubt not, of 
her Saviour, and the heavenly glory that was just opening to her 
view. But on all these subjects a cloud of darkness must ever rest, 
till dispelled by the light of heaven. All my questioning of the people 
who were about her dying bed has been able to elicit no other particu- 
lars besides those which I have already communicated. 

Tou ask many questions in A.'s letter of March 23d about our suf- 
ferings at Ava ; but how can I answer them now ? There would be 
some pleasure in reviewing those scenes, if she were alive, but now I 
can not. The only pleasant reflection — the only one that assuages the 
anguish of retrospection — is, that she now rests far away, where no 
spotted-faced executioner can fill her heart with terror ; where no un- 
feeling magistrate can extort the scanty pittance which she had pre- 
served through every risk to sustain her fettered husband and fam- 
ishing babe, no more exposed to lie on a bed of languishment, and 
stung with the uncertainty, what would become of her poor husband 
and child when she was gone. No, she has her little ones around her, 
I trust, and has taught them to praise the Source whence their deliv- 
erance flowed. Yes, her little son, his soul enlarged to angel's size, 
was, perhaps, the first to meet her at heaven's portals, and welcome 
his mother to his own abode. And her daughter followed her in six 
short months. Had she remained, it seems to me impossible to have 
complied with your request, and sent her far from me over the seas. 

How happy should I be to find myself once more in the bosom of the 
family in Bradford, and tell you ten thousand things that I can not 
put on paper. But this will never be ; nor is it of much consequence. 
A few more rolling suns and you will hear of my death, or I of yours. 

* Mr. Judson had just received intelligence of the death of his 
father when this letter was written. 



First Year of a New Era. 



Till then believe me your most aifectionate brother. And when we 
meet in heaven— when all have arrived, and we find all safe, forever 
safe, and our Saviour forever safe and glorious, and in him all his 
beloved — oh, shall we not be happy, and ever praise him who has en- 
dured the cross to " wear and confer such a crown." 



YEAES OF THE EIGHT HAND OF GOD. 

"NovT- thanks be unto God, which always canseth us to triumph in 
Christ, and naaketh manifest the savor of his name hy us in every 
place." — 2 CoR. ii. 14. 

AS already seen, our missionary recommenced his 
labors on his return from Ava. The sense of his 
bereavement in the loss of his wife, and the attention 
necessarily given to his little girl, followed by a second 
great sorrow in her decease, caused them to be prose- 
cuted only to a limited extent. For some time after 
these afflictions, according to his own statement, his 
exertions were not characterized by the same earnest- 
ness which was manifested by him in the first days of 
his toil in Burmah. It was not long, however, before 
he was permitted to see remarkable evidence of the 
power of divine truth, and the reader will find records 
which could only be made concerning one who was 
" always abounding in the work of the Lord." 

In recommencing missionary labor, Mr. Judson had 
only Mr. and Mrs. Wade for his associates.^ In April, 
however, the mission was further strengthened by the 
arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Boardman. The prospects for 
evangelization and other interesting particulars are 
made known in the following letter : 

* Mr. Price remained at Ava after the war, devoting his chief atten- 
tion to educating sons of leading Burmans, under the patronage of the 
king. He deceased in February, 1828. 



234: Years of the Right Hand of God. 



TO THE REV. D. SHARP. 

Amherst, May 5, 1827. 

My dear Sir — You are doubtless acquainted with the measures we 
have taken in regard to the formation of a new mission station at this 
place. 

The final disposal of the ceded provinces on this coast is still rather 
uncertain, the question having been referred to the decision of the 
court of directors. But it is generally understood that the Burmese 
government has behaved so ill since the war, in not complying witli 
the terms of the treaty, and in giving the envoy, Mr. Crawfurd, a most 
ungracious reception at court, that these provinces can not be restored 
to their former masters ; and that the difl&culty attending their erec- 
tion into an independent principality, or transferring them to any 
neighboring power, will render their final retention necessary, though 
the British government uniformly profess their reluctance to extend 
their Indian territories. 

The fate of this port is still more dubious, in consequence of Sir Ar- 
chibald Campbell's having fixed his head-quarters at Maulmain, twen- 
ty-five miles up the river, and the uncertainty whether Mr. Crawfurd, 
or any person interested in the prosperity of Amherst, will be placed 
in civil charge here. 

AVhen I first determined on settling here, it was understood that all 
the heads of government were unanimous in the purpose of making 
this the capital of the ceded provinces ; but an unhappy misunder- 
standing took place, and though this is admitted to be the most pleas- 
ant place, the most salubrious, the most central, the best, and, indeed, 
the onl}' port (for ships can not go up the river), Sir Archibald pro- 
nounced Maulmain the best military station, and the whole tide of Bur- 
mese emigration has flowed thither. 

On brother Wade's arrival, and my return from Ava, as we had a 
house here which Mrs. Judson had begun, we continued to occupy it, 
and wait for the openings of Providence. On brother Boardman's ar- 
rival, he had occasion to go up to Maulmain to obtain medical assist- 
ance for Mrs. Boardman, and according to an arrangement we have 
made, he will probably remain there for the present. Sir Archibald 
has repeatedly offered us ground for a mission station, and we are 
pleased with having a footing at both places, that we may with greater 
facility occupy that which will become the permanent seat of govern- 
ment, or perhaps both, if the native population of both, and other cir- 
cumstances, shall appear to warrant such a division of our strength. 

The expense of building such mat houses as our present necessities 
require is not large. We have expended about three hundred dollars 



Years of the Eight Hand of God. 235 

in Amherst, and have snflficient accommodation for myself and brother 
Wade's family, besides a commodious zayat for the female school. And 
evLn this appropriation has not been made from the funds furnished 
from America, but from donations made us for the express purpose of 
building. Since the close of the war, I have been able, from money 
paid me by the British government, presents lately made me at Ava, 
and donations to the mission, to pay into the funds of the board above 
four thousand dollars, which, after deducting such expenses as our 
regulations allow, together with the last donation from Madras, I have 
remitted to Mr. Pearee, of Calcutta. 

The long interruption of our missionary work, occasioned by our 
troubles at Ava, the domestic calamities which have since overwhelmed 
me in quick succession, and the hitherto unfavorable circumstances of 
Amherst, have operated to prevent my returning with much ardor to 
my usual occupations. I am, however, endeavoring to do a little. We 
have a small assembly of twenty-five or thirty on Lord's days, and our 
daily family worship is not unfrequently attended by a few inquirers. 
One woman desires to profess our religion, and has lately given some 
satisfactory evidence that she is sincere. A few respectable men de- 
clare themselves convinced of the truth of the Christian religion, but 
we discern yet no traces of the renewing influences of the Spirit on 
their hearts. 

Three only of the Rangoon converts are now with us. The rest are 
dead, or scattered in different parts of the country. So far as I have 
been able to ascertain the circumstances of those who died in my ab- 
sence, and those who still remain, I believe that, with the exception of 
two, who were excluded from the church in Rangoon for neglecting to 
attend worship, none of the baptized have disgraced their holy profes- 
sion. I do not, of course, speak of two or three cases which required 
temporary church discipline. 

Moung Ing lately went on a mission to Mergui (Bike), the place of 
his former residence, where he has set up Christian worship, and has, 
he writes me, several inquirers. 

I commend my sorrows to your sympathetic remembrance, and, beg- 
ging an interest in your prayers, remain, my dear sir, 

Yours faithfully, 

A. JUDSON. 

In describing his personal labors for June, our sub- 
ject wrote, July 3d : "For a month past I have been 
chiefly employed in revising the New Testament, in 
several points which were not satisfactorily settled 



236 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

when the translation was made. Have also completed 
two catechisms for the use of Burman schools, the one 
astronomical, in thirty-eight questions and answers, 
the other geographical, in eightj-nine, accompanied 
by a map of the world, with Burman names." 

Schools, it is well known, could only be undertaken 
at great disadvantages, while the mission was con- 
ducted in the Burman empire ; for the only means by 
which the missionaries could hope to teach the young 
was by acquiring an . absolute property in them. 
While Mrs. Judson was in England, contributions were 
made in order that children might be purchased for the 
purpose of receiving a Christian education. At Ava she 
had two or three pupils, who had been given her by 
their father, and, had the mission been continued with- 
out interruption, it is probable that either by gift or 
by redemption from slavery she would soon have 
gathered a considerable number of scholars. On re- 
moving to Amherst she commenced her efforts anew, 
under more favorable auspices, but, owing to uncer- 
tainty with regard to the fortunes of the new town, 
not with the success which had been anticipated. 
These schools were afterward resumed under charge 
of Mrs. Wade. It was Mr. Judson's custom to con- 
duct daily family worship, and frequently to give re- 
ligious instruction to the scholars. 

In conjunction with Mr. Wade, our subject made 
the following report concerning these schools, in 182T : 

TO THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. 

Amherst, June 7, 1827. 
Rev. and dear Sir — The native female boarding school at pres- 
ent consists of fifteen girls, who are mostly between the ages of five 
and twelve years. Fourteen of them are Burmese or Taliugs, and 
one Armenian, whose parents both died during the war. We have 
named her Sarah Wayland. She is, though very young, of longer 



Yeaks of the Eight Hand of God. 237 

standing in the school than any other, except Mary Hasseltine. Rachel 
Euphemia Thompson — or, as "we call her, Euphemia — is one of the 
youngest but most promising in the school. Besides these three, we 
have not given names to any of the scholars, and, unless the board 
particularly recommend it, we have thought it not advisable, on ac- 
count of the peculiar difficulty the Burmese have in pronouncing for- 
eign names, and for other reasons. 

Mrs. Wade spends seven hours a day in the midst of the scholars; 
teaching them to read and sew, and repeat from memory such element- 
ary works as are prepared for them, religious and scientific. They are 
uncommonly attached to their instructress, and are characterized by a 
tractable, confiding disposition, which renders them easy of management. 

We beg the prayers of all those who contribute to their support, that 
they may make that progress in useful knowledge, and that improve- 
ment in manners and morals which will exert a meliorating influence 
on the society with which they will hereafter mingle; but above all, 
that their minds may be enlightened and their hearts inspired by the 
Holy Spirit to know and love the Saviour of sinners. 

We remain, reverend and dear sir, yours, faithfully, 

A. JUDSON, 

J. Wade. 

In July, also, Mr. Judson commenced a translation 
of the Book of Psalms. On tlie eleventh of the same 
month he received letters from America, the first 
which had been written subsequent to his release. 
He writes in his journal : " Wsls much gratified to find 
that, in recommencing the work of translation, I was 
anticipating the particular wishes of the board." 

In August he went to Maulmain, with a view of 
visiting Mr. Boardman. After a stay of several weeks 
he resolved to remove to that station. The causes 
which had retarded the growth of Amherst still con- 
tinued, and the increasing population of Maulmain 
seemed to make the path of duty clear. In repairing 
to the newer station, it was true, the graves of Mrs. 
Judson and her child must be left. This was no small 
sacrifice ; but when duty called him away to preach the 
Gospel, Mr. Judson was not a disciple to delay or de- 



238 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

cline for the burial-places of his dead. So he writes as 
follows, October 2d : ^' We have been lately clearing up 
part of our ground contiguous to the road, and removing 
some of the native houses, with a view to building a 
house for brother Wade and myself, as we have now 
concluded to abandon Amherst altogether, with the 
little inclosure, the hope tree, and the graves which 
contain the moldering remains of all that were dear- 
est to me on earth." 

Shortly after he removed to Maulmain, Mr. Judson 
had the privilege of again seeing the Burman preacher, 
Moung Ing, who had been absent seven months, which 
time he had chiefly spent in Mergui. He records in 
his journal, October 19th, that he had " spent the eve- 
ning in hearing him relate liis adventures." It is prob- 
able that with no more interest did the church at Anti- 
och listen to Barnabas and Paul " when they rehearsed 
all that God had done with them," than did the first 
American missionary hear from the first Burman evan- 
gelist his reports of missionary labor. 

On the 4th of IlTovember Mr. Judson and Mr. Wade 
took possession of their new house, the erection of 
which had occupied considerable of Mr. Judson's time 
during the previous month, and even till they made it 
their habitation. On the last Lord's day of the month 
he writes : " We have arranged a large room in the 
front of the house, in the manner of a zayat, and to- 
day set up worship, in the old Rangoon fashion ; and 
a busy day it has been. About seventy persons, great 
and small, attended worship in the forenoon ; after 
which, twenty or thirty w^omen followed Mrs. Wade 
into another room, and listened to her instructions. In 
the evening we had about thirty ; and after worship 
some animated conversation ensued, in which Mali 



i 



Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 239 

Doke's husband, Moung Dwah, came out very decid- 
edly on the side of Christianity. Moung Ing has a 
good degree of missionary spirit, and affords much as- 
sistance in the work." 

Several instances of religious inquiry at this time 
afforded considerable pleasure. The Talings, otherwise 
known as Peguans, having been vanquished in their 
attempt to reassert their independence, had been com- 
pelled to flee in large numbers to the British territo- 
ries. The following record from Mr. Judson's journal, 
December 11th, it will be seen, refers to one of these 
people: ''Moung Noo, another of our neighbors, the 
youngest of four brethren, came in last Sunday, just 
^at night, and after hearing some plain truths, he staid 
during evening worship, and paid uncommon attention. 
This morning he came again, and this evening again. 
After worship, he inquired with feeling : ' What shall 
I do to be saved?' ' Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.' 
' I do believe — I do believe. This religion is right. 
I have been all wrong. What shall I now do ?' ' If 
you have begun to believe, let your faith increase. 
Attend worship. Keep the Lord's day. Become the 
Saviour's servant. Do all his will. Give yourself, 
soul and body, into his hands. Will you do so V ' I 
will, I will. But I do not know all his will.' ' Read 
the Scriptures.' ' I can read Taling only, not Bur- 
man.' ' Come, then, and we will read to you. Come 
every day to worship, and at all times of day, and we 
will instruct you.' 

"The case of this poor man," our subject wrote, "is 
the case of a large majority of the population of these 
parts. They understand the Scriptures in Burman, 
when read, but can not read themselves." N'ever at a 
loss for expedients for evangelization, a plan of opera- 



240 Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 



tion was struck out at once. " I felt the necessity of 
having the Scriptures constantly read in some public 
place — in a word, of setting up a reading zayat^ to be 
occupied by one of the native Christians." 

A record in his journal the very next day shows his 
zeal for the accomplishment of his new project. *' Con- 
versed with Moung Shw^a-ba on the project of a reading 
zayat, and he entered into it with some interest. We 
concluded, therefore, to put up a shed on the wayside, 
in the vicinity of the house, and employ him on account 
of tlie mission half of the time, the other half of his 
time being devoted to the female school." Four days 
after, December 16th, the Scripture reader commenced 
his labors and had several listeners. 

During the remainder of the month, missionary la- 
bor was prosecuted with zreal, and tokens of success. 
Considerable hope was entertained that among others 
a priest who attended Mr. Wade's zayat was the sub- 
ject of genuine religious conviction. The following 
extract from Mr. Judson's journal at the close of 1827 
gives a view of the means employed and hopes enter- 
tained by the members of the mission. 

"" De<iemh€r 31. — Though considerable missionary 
work has been done for several days past, I have noted 
nothing in the journal ; but the close of the year re- 
minds me of this as well as many other delinquencies. 

"The means which are at present using for the 
spread of the truth may be said to be four : 1st. Pub- 
lic worship on Lord's days. This commences at half- 
past ten o'clock in the forenoon, and is attended by 
the members of the mission, the scholars, the native 
converts, and inquirers, and occasionally some of the 
neighbors and travelere, the assembly varying from 
twenty to seventy or more. The worship consists of 



Years of the Right PIand of God. 241 

a set form of adoration and praise, followed by an ex- 
tempore discourse, or rather harangue, for it is com- 
monly very desultory, suited to the nature of the as- 
sembly ; and the exercises are closed with prayer. 
After the assembly breaks up, several remain, and we 
frequently have religious conversation and discussion 
for several hours. 2d. The daily evening worship. 
This is intended for our own family, the scholars, the 
Christians that live around us, and such of the neigh- 
bors that wish to attend. The attendance, including 
the children, averages about twenty. We begin with 
reading a portion of Scripture — explain — exhort — and 
conclude with prayer. After worship I spend the eve- 
ning with those who are willing to remain, particularly 
the converts, and endeavor to make the conversation 
instructive and profitable to them. In the mean time, 
the women repair to another room, and receive the in- 
struction r)f Mrs. Wade ; and this, together w^ith the 
female school, conducted by Mrs. Wade and Mrs. 
Boardman (brother Boardman had also just com- 
menced a school for boys), may be called the third 
means. The foitrth is hrother Wade's zayat^ about 
half a mile south of the mission-house, on the princi- 
pal road leading from Maulmain to Tavoy-zoo. He 
goes regularly after breakfast, and spends the day. 
But his adventures he wil] relate in his own journal. 
I hope in a few days to be able to add i\iQ fifth head, 
namely, a small zayat at Kouncj-zay-Kyoon^ about two 
miles and a half north of our present residence, a very 
populous part of the town, where I intend to spend 
the day, making an occasional exchange with brother 
Wade. 

" As to success, our most hopeful inquirer, Moung 
Myat-poo, with his extensive connections, has found it 

11 



242 Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 

incouveuient to remove from Amherst; and for him 
we can only hope and pray. Moiing Dwah, brother 
of Mah Men-la, and husband of Mah-Doke, gives very 
satisfactory evidence of being a true disciple. He is 
constant in attending worship every day, besides his 
own family worship, and has lately requested to be 
admitted into the church. He will probably be the 
first baptized in the waters of Maulmain. The second 
is Moung Thah-byoo, a Karen by nation, imperfectly 
acquainted with the Burman language, and possessed 
of very ordinary abihties. He has been about us sev- 
eral months, and we hope that his mind, though ex- 
ceedingly dark and ignorant, has begun to discern the 
excellence of the religion of Christ. The third is Mah 
Lali, concerning whom my principal acquaintance is 
derived from Mrs. Wade. She is most constant in 
improving every opportunity of attending worship, 
and gives considerable evidence of loving the Gospel. 
Both the last have requested baptism. ]^ext in order 
comes the priest, whom brother Wade has doubtless 
mentioned in his journal. He visits the zayat every 
day ; has been to the house once, and spent a few 
hours with me. He appears to be almost convinced 
of the truth, but can not yet think of giving up the 
merits of thirty-seven years of clerical austerity. Ka- 
ning-tsoo, mentioned the ninth instant,* remains about 
the same. There are two or three more, who attend 
worship occasionally, and give us some reason to hoj)e 
that their attention has been so far excited as to con- 



=* " A venerable, white-headed old man, called a Thoo-dan-goung 
(saint), on account of his conscientious life and meritorious deeds ; 
formerly rich, but now poor ; once a pharisee, but latel}' disposed to 
change his character. He occasionally attends our evening woi'ship, 
and seems to be opening his mind to the influence of Divine truth." 



Years of the Eight Hand of God. 243 

sider the Christian religion, with some conviction of 
truth and excellence. I ought not to forget the chil- 
dren in the school, two or three of whom, and particu- 
larly one, by name Mee A, have manifested much 
tenderness of feeling, and desire to obtain an interest 
in Christ." 

Mr. Judson commenced operations in the new zayat 
January 11th, 1828. His instructions during the early 
part of the year attracted many persons. The two 
converts named in his closing report for 1827 received 
baptism in January, and in March four others followed 
their Lord into the watery grave. 

Mr. Judson gave the following account of his em- 
ployments in April and May, on the last day of the 
latter month: "The last two months I have spent at 
the zayat, with scarcely the exception of a single day, 
and I seldom have been without the company of some 
of the Christians or the hopeful inquirers. In the lat- 
ter class we count eight or ten." 

Pleasing records are made concerning some of these 
in the journal. Among them is found the name of 
Moung Boo, noticed once in the annals of the Rangoon 
mission, a man of the first distinction in point of talents, 
erudition, general information, and extensive influence. 
" His progress has been so slow," Mr. Judson writes, 
" that I have not mentioned him before ; but he has at- 
tended me ever since the zayat was opened, his house 
being on the opposite side of the street. He was an 
intimate friend of Moung Shwa-gnong, and has appa- 
rently been going through a process similar to what 
my dear brother — now, I trust, in heaven — experi- 
enced. He has relinquished Boodhism, and got 
through with Deism and IJnitarianism, and now ap- 
pears to be near the truth. Many a time, when con- 



244 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

templating his hard, unbending features, and listening 
to his tones of dogmatism and pride, I have said in my 
heart, ' Canst thou ever kneel, an humble suppliant, 
at the foot of the cross V But he has lately manifested 
some disposition to yield, and assures me that he does 
pray in secret. 

"To conclude this paper, I hope that the light is 
gradually spreading around us, more extensively, per- 
haps, from brother Wade's zayat than from mine, that 
being in a situation to catch visitors from all parts of 
the country, while mine is chiefly confined to the im- 
mediate vicinity. And I hope also that the Spirit of 
God is operating, in some cases, on the minds of our 
hearers. All those who have been baptized in this 
place, as well as those who came with us, give us 
great and increasing satisfaction. It is, I think, rather 
characteristic of Burman converts, that they are slow 
in making up their minds to embrace a new religion ; 
but the point once settled is settled forever." 

At this time Mr. Judson deemed it his duty to de- 
cline the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity, which 
was conferred on him in 1823 by the corporation of 
Brown University. The following note contains the 
announcement of his purpose : 

Maulmai-v, May 9, 1828. 

I beg to be alloTs-ed the privilege of requesting my correspondents 
and friends, through the medium of the American Baptist Magazine 
and the Cohimbian Star, no longer to apply to my name the title which 
was conferred on me in the year 1823 by the corporation of Brown 
University, and which, with all deference and respect for that honor- 
able body, I hereby resign. 

Nearly three years elapsed before I was informed of the honor done 
me, and two years more have been suffered to pass, partly from the 
groundless idea that it was too late to decline the honor, and partly 
through fear of doing what might seem to reflect on those who have 
taken a different course, or be liable to the charge of affected singu- 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 245 

iE__ 

larity or superstitious preciseness. But I am now convinced that the 
commands of Christ, and the general spirit of the Gospel, are para- 
mount to all prudential considerations, and I only regret that I have 
so long delayed to make this communication. A. Judsokt. 

In this course, it is well known, his friends, deeming 
him specially entitled to honor, have not commonly 
followed his directions. jSTevertheless, it will scarcely 
be doubted by any, that when a Christian minister 
feels com]3elled by convictions of duty to renounce 
an intended honor, regard ought to be paid to his ex- 
pressed wishes. In the course Mr. Judson adopted, 
it is well known he followed several eminent ministers. 
Doubtless most who are accustomed to be addressed by 
this title would, if they saw the matter in the same 
light, manifest an equal conscientiousness. 

In the montli of May, also, under the name of " A 
Missionary," Mr. Judson made a munificent offering 
to the American Baptist Board. In a letter to the 
board he states: "When I left America I brought 
with me a considerable sum of money, the avails of 
my own earnings, and the gifts of my relatives and 
personal friends. This money has been accumulating, 
at interest, for many years, under the management of 
a kind friend to the mission, and occasionally receiv- 
ing accessions from other quarters, particularly at the 
close of the late war, until it amounts to twelve thou- 
sand rupees. I now beg leave to present it to the 
board, or rather to Him '■ who loved us, and washed 
us from our sins in his own blood.' I am taking 
measures to have the money paid to the agent of the 
board, and the payment will, I trust, be effected by the 
end of this year." By this liberal offering six thousand 
dollars were brought into the missionary treasury. 

In July our missionary was cheered by new proofs 



246 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

of the presence of the converting spirit. On the 28th 
of July live converts were baptized. The cases of all 
these were interesting, and are thus detailed in his 
journal : 

" 1. M'Donald, a native Hindoo, twenty-eight years 
of age. He renounced heathenism a few years ago, 
and was christened by an Englisli clergyman on the 
Madras coast. His first profession of Christianity was 
probably sincere ; but, within a few months, he be- 
came acquainted with some persons whose communi- 
cations unsettled his mind, and reduced him to a state 
of darkness and perplexity for several years. When 
he came to this coast, about a year ago, he assumed 
the English dress, and, in correspondence with his for- 
mer friends in Madras and Bengal, he made many 
attempts to disseminate erroneous sentiments in all 
classes of society, but happily without the slightest 
success. One morning, about a fortnight ago, he came 
to the zayat, and heard the doctrines of implicit faith 
in the Word of God, and of regeneration by the power 
of the Holy Spirit — doctrines which were quite new, 
and, at the same time, quite satisfactory to his soul. 
He yielded at once to the force of truth, and became, 
to all appearance, an humble, teachable disciple of 
the Divine Son. He understands Burman enough to 
join in our worship, and, on his requesting baptism, 
we had no hesitation ab^jut receiving him into our lit- 
tle number. He brought with him, yesterday, a large 
bundle, which, he informed us, contained the tracts 
and publications which had giveit him so much trou- 
ble ; and when he was baptized he buried them, with 
his former character, in the waterv o^rave. 

" 2. Moung Shway-pan, whose name has been some- 
times mentioned in the journal as a hopeful inquirer. 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 247 

He lias been a constant attendant at the zayat ever 
since it was built, and is a pretty fair specimen of a 
cautions Burman, who turns a thing over ten thousand 
times before he takes it, but when once he takes it, 
holds it forever. He accordingly appears now very 
firm and decided. 

" 3. Mai ^yo, an aged female above eighty. She 
says she was a little girl when the great Alompra sub- 
verted the kingdom of Pegu, and established the pres- 
ent Burman dynasty, so that she has lived under eight 
successive monarchs. She became acquainted with 
Mrs. Wade three or four months ago, and though she 
is bitterly opposed by her relatives, on whom she is 
quite dependent, and though she has been, especially 
of late years, a devotee in religious duties, she has 
renounced all for Christ, and with tottering steps, 
bending under the infirmities of age, has done homage 
to the King of kings in the baptismal stream. 

"4. Mah-ree (Mary Hasseltine), about twelve years 
old, daughter of Moung Shwa-ba, and the Only girl 
that survives of the female school which Mrs. Judson 
commenced at Ava. 

" 5. Meh A, of the same age and standing as Mah- 
ree. These two girls are the first fruits of an incipient 
revival in the school, similar to those glorious revivals 
which distinguish our beloved native land. May the 
Holy Spirit be poured out more copiously on our own 
hearts, on the children of the school, and on all the 
inhabitants of Maulmain." 

On the 3rd of August, three girls from the school, 
who gave evidence of being under the influence of di- 
vine grace, were baptized. At this time the young 
were especially opposed by the hostility of their rela- 
tives. A record in Mr. Judson's journal, August 4tl!, 



2-18 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

gives an idea of the motive which sometimes led to 
these unfriendly manifestations : " Mee Tau-gnong's 
mother came early in the morning, before any of us 
were up, and having made her elder daughter, Mee 
Lau, open the door of the school zayat, she fell upon 
her younger daughter, abusing and beating her, until, 
fearing that she should alarm the house, she went off. 
Soon after, however, she came again, and finding her 
daughter outside, she beat her on the head with an 
umbrella, and threatened to sell her for a slave. She 
th^n went into town, and after raising a tumult in the 
market-place, and declaring that her daughter had 
entered into a religion which prevented her lying and 
cheating^ so that she was quite lost to all purposes of 
trade, she carried the alarming tale to the mothers of 
the other two girls who were baptized yesterday. One 
of them, the mother of Mee Nen-mah, who has been 
most violent heretofore, came in a rage to Mrs Wade, 
(brother Wade and myself being absent at our zayats), 
and after using as bad language as she dared, she ran 
dow^n to the school-room, seized her daughter by the 
hair, and dragged her out doors toward a pile of wood, 
where she would soon have armed herself with a weap- 
on, had not Mrs. Wade interfered and rescued the vic- 
tim ; upon which the mother went off, muttering venge- 
ance. The girls bore all this abuse in silent submis- 
sion, and really manifested something of the spirit of 
martyrs. All three are taken into the house for the 
present, lest their infuriated relatives should make an 
assault upon them by night." 

The mother of one of the baptized girls was at Ran- 
goon at the time her profession was made. Soon after, 
the daughter " came trembling one morning to Mrs. 
Wade, with the alarming news that her mother had 



Yeaes of the Right Hand of God. 249 

just arrived at the landing-place, with the intention, 
doubtless, of taking her away by force; and what 
should she do ? She was told to go and meet her 
mother, and to pray as she went. But the poor girl 
need not have been alarmed. She had been incessantly 
praying for her mother ever since she had learned to 
pray for herself, and God had heard her prayers, and 
softened her mother's heart. So when she heard that 
her daughter was actually baptized, she only made up 
a queer face, like a person choking, and said : ' It was 
so^ was it not? I hear that some quite die under the 
operation.' " In this remark, perhaps, the poor woman 
showed not much less enlightenment than is sometimes 
found in Christian lands. Having '' drank in the truth 
from her daughter's lips," and given evidence that she 
was dead unto sin, she was shortly after permitted to 
follow her example. 

On the 14th of December, Mr. Judson baptized the 
thirtieth convert of the year 1828 — the most successful 
he had yet known in the conversion of souls. 

The native ministry Mr. Judson regarded as one ot 
the most efficient agencies of evangelization, and he 
watched every indication of the possession of gifts and 
graces for this important service. Within a year from 
the re-establishment of the mission, he had reason to 
hope that his desires would soon be in some measure 
realized. On the first Lord's day of January, 1829, our 
missionar}^ remarked: "We commence this year with 
an auspicious event — the ordination of Ko Thah-a as 
pastor of the church in Rangoon, to which place he 
expects to depart by an early conveyance. He has 
been so evidently called of God to the ministry that 
we have not felt at liberty to hesitate or deliberate 
about the matter. But if it had been left to us to se- 
ll^ 



250 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

lect one of all the converts to be the first Christian 
pastor among his countrymen, Ko Thah-a is the man 
we shonld have chosen. His age (fifty-seven), his 
steadiness and weight of character, his attainments in 
Burman literature, which, though not, perhaps, neces- 
sary, seem desirable in one who is taking up arms 
against the religion of his country, and his humble de- 
votedness to the sacred work, all conspire to make us 
acquiesce with readiness and gratitude in the Divine 
appointment." 

With regard to this man Mr. Judson thus wrote 
some little time before : "At the close of the war, in 
the year 1826, he spent a few months at a large village 
in the neighborhood of Shwa-doung; and there, devo- 
ting himself to the preaching of the word, he produced 
a very considerable excitement. Several professed to 
believe in the Christian religion, and three of the most 
promising received baptism at his hands. Some others 
requested the same favor, but he became alarmed at 
his own temerity, and declined their repeated applica- 
tions. The villagers in time returned to the vicinity 
of Rangoon, whence they had fled at the commence- 
ment of the war. He also returned to Rangoon, his 
former residence, and continued to disseminate the 
truth, but in a more cautious and covert manner. He 
has now come hither to inquire what he shall do with 
those who wish to be baptized, and to get some instruc- 
tions concerning his own duty. He says that he can 
not stay long, for when he came away, the converts 
and inquirers begged him to return soon, and his heart 
is evidently with his little flock which he has left in 
yonder wilderness. Let us pray for Ko Thah-a, and 
the remnant in Rangoon. For though the tree seemed 
for a time cut down, ' the stump of the roots was left 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 251 

in the earth, with a band of iron and brass, in the ten- 
der grass of the held.' " 

A week after the ordination, Mr. Judson writes : 
" Pastor Thah-a took leave of us for his charge in Ran- 
goon. We love him as a brother missionary — a hum- 
ble, conscientious, faithful servant of the Lord Jesus. 
During his visit he has endeared himself to us all, and 
we should gladly detain him here, were he not evidently 
called to labor in another part of the vineyard. May 
he be made faithful unto death, and then receive the 
crown of life." 

In February, Moung Ing, the first licentiate, was 
ordained as pastor of the church at Amherst. "That 
church," Mr. Judson writes, "consisted of three — Mah 
Loon-byay, who was baptized while we lived there, 
and has never left the place ; Mah Kai, and her daugh- 
ter, Mee A, who have lately moved thither. To these 
are now added pastor Moung Ing, and his wife, Mah 
Lan. May the five become five hundred. May the 
seed formerly sown in weakness and tears yet spring 
up and bear fruit. May the last efforts of the one we 
have lost, whose setting rays sunk in death beneath 
the hope tree, prove not to have been in vain ; and 
may the prayers which ascended from her dying bed 
be yet heard and answered in blessings upon Amherst." 

The word of the Lord continued to prove effica- 
cious in conversions during the early part of this year. 
While Mr. Judson recorded additions to the native 
church, he also wrote of conversions among the English 
soldiers. Three of these, he writes February 22d, 
" followed their Lord and Master into the watery grave. 
They have been in the habit of attending certain eve- 
ning meetings, in which we have lately indulged our- 
selves a little, though averse to every interruption to 



252 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

native work. These soldiers we have not received 
into the Mauhnain church, but have recognized them to 
be the Baptist church in his majesty's 45th regiment." 
In May, Mr. Judson wrote a letter to the Rev. ISToah 
Davis, describing the tract operations of the mission. 

Maulmain, May 28, 1829. 

My DEAR Brother — We have published three tracts in the Burmese 
language. **=**** All three have been translated into Taling, 
the native language of all parts of British Pegu, where we are now lo- 
cated, and generally understood by the most of the population better 
than the Burmese. Oh, it is affecting to see with what eagerness the poor 
people, men and women, listen to tlie sound of the Gospel in their own 
native tongue ; how they sometimes gather close around the reader, and 
listen with their eyes as well as their ears. We keep a Taling copyist 
at work all the time, but it is impossible to do any thing toward sup- 
plying the demand for Taling tracts. Indeed, the expense is so great 
that we do not think of giving copies except in the most pressing and im- 
portant cases. The same is to be said of the " Golden Balance" in Bur- 
mese. Oh, we want a thousand copies of this work, to be sent instantly 
into all parts of the country — to Tavoy and Mergui on the south — to 
Rangoon, Prome, and Ava on the north — in all which places we have 
correspondents, or some means of communication. But we are like 
men with their hands cut off. 

Thine ever in the best of bonds, and devotedness to the best of 
causes. A. JuDso>f. 

IN^ot only was the figure employed above apposite to 
the case of the "missionaries, but they were conscious 
of greatly impaired health. Mr. Judson refers to this 
circumstance in a letter to Mr. Lincoln, date June 5th. 
" "We are very anxious, also, that two or three mission- 
aries should be sent out immediately, not because we 
want help, not because millions are perishing around 
us ; all missionaries cry in that tone, and it has become 
old. But we feel anxious, because three out of five 
of us are in a very poor and, to all human appearances, 
declining state of health ; and as it must take three 
years to become fit for any real service, we have* but 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 253 

little hope remaining that our places will be supplied 
before most of us are laid in the grave." 

It is apparent to the reader of the records already 
given, that our missionary rejoiced in additions to the 
church. iS'evertheless, he was very jealous lest its mem- 
bership should be corrupted by the reception of improp- 
er "persons. His journal for the first Lord's day in June 
contains the following : " Several applications lor bap- 
tism have lately been refused, the applicants being rela- 
tives of professors of religion, and influenced, we fear, 
by the example and persuasion of others, rather than by 
the impulse of grace- To-day, however, a clear case oc- 
curred — an old lady, eighty years of age, mother-in-law 
of a petty chief, who is one of our bitterest opposers. 
She commenced her inquiries several months ago, with 
a great deal of timidity. And though she has acquired a 
little courage, and is a person of considerable presence, 
she almost trembles under a sense of the great respons- 
ibility of changing her religion. Such being her char- 
acter, the promptness with which she answered our 
questions, before the church, affected us even to tears. 
' How old are you, mother V ' Eighty years.' ' Can 
you, at such an age, renounce the religion that you 
have followed all your life long V ' I see that it is 
false, and I renounce it all.' ' Why do you wish to be 
baptized into the religion of Jesus Christ V ' I have 
very, very many sins ; and I love the Lord, who saves 
from sin.' ' Perhaps your son-in-law, on hearing that 
you have been baptized, will abuse you, and turn you 
out of doors.' 'I have another son-in-law, to whom 
I will flee.' ' But he also is an opposer: suppose that 
you should meet with the same treatment there.' 'You 
will, I think, let me come and live near you.' We 
made no reply, willing that she should prove her sin- 



254 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

cerity by bearing the brunt alone. Her name is Mai 
Hlah. Behold this venerable woman, severing, at her 
time of life, all the ties which bind her to a large circle 
of connections and friends, hazarding the loss of a 
comfortable, respectable situation, the loss of character, 
the loss of a shelter for her gray head, throwing her- 
self on the charity of certain foreigners, and all for 
the sake of ' the Lord who saves from sin.' O blessed 
efScacy of the love of Christ !" 

During the period in which so many triumphs were 
won by the Gospel, labors connected with translation 
were diligently prosecuted. The result of this em- 
ployment of time is thus recorded under date of No- 
vember 29th, 1829. 

"Since my last, we have finished revising the ITew 
Testament and the epitome of the Old — a work in 
which we have been closely engaged for above a year. 
We have also prepared for the press several smaller 
works, viz. : 1. The Catechism of Eeligion. This has 
already passed through two editions in Burmese. It 
has also been translated and printed into Siamese, and 
translated into Taling or Peguan : 2. The Yiew of the 
Christian Keligion, thoroughly revised for a fourth edi- 
tion in Burmese. It has also been translated into Ta- 
ling and Siamese: 3. The Liturgy of the Burman 
Church : L The Baptismal Service : 5. The Marriage 
Service: 6. The Funeral Service ; the three last con- 
sisting chiefly of extracts from Scripture : 7. The 
Teacher's Guide ; or, a Digest of those Parts of the 
E'ew Testament which relate to the Duty of Teachers 
of Keligion, designed particularly for I^ative Pastors : 
8. A Catechism of Astronomy : 9. A Catechism of 
Geography : 10. A Table of Chronological History, or 
a Kegister of principal Events from the Creation to 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 265 

the Present Time : 11. The Memoir of Mee Shway-ee : 
12. The Golden Balance ; or, the Christian and Boodh- 
ist Systems contrasted. This has been translated into 
Taling. The Gospel of St. Matthew was also transla- 
ted into Siamese by Mrs. Jndson, and is now being 
translated into Taling by Ko Man-poke, om- assistant 
in that department," 

The visible results of effort for evangelization for the 
year are thus recorded in Mr. Judson's journal, De- 
cember 31st : " Since my last, Moung Poo, husband 
of Mali Men-san, has been baptized at Pah-ouk, and 
last Lord's day three more soldiers were baptized in 
this place, making twenty-eight individuals this year ; 
not quite so many as were baptized last year, besides 
which, ten of the number are Englishmen. However, 
Rangoon furnishes a re-enforcement of seventeen Bur- 
mans (four lately), and Tavoy another re-enforcement 
of eight, mostly Karens, making a total of fifty-three." 

After the re-establishment of the mission there were 
no facilities for printing till the year 1830. Impressed 
with the importance of a laborer in this department, 
the board sent out Mr. Cephas Bennett, who arrived 
January 15th, 1830, and the printing operations, to the 
great gratification of our subject, were resumed shortly 
afterward. 

In March, 1830, at the solicitation of Mr. and Mrs. 
"Wade, who were at Rangoon, Mr. Judson contemplated 
revisiting that town. The health of Mr. Wade having 
subsequently caused him to go around to Maulmain 
for a change of air, Mr. Judson determined to accom- 
pany him on his return. He arrived at the scene of 
his early toils May 2d, where he immediately recom- 
menced preaching. Cheering tokens of the Divine 
favor attended the presentation of the truth, but he 



256 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

was not at rest. There were regions beyond to which 
he desired to cany the GospeL In a letter, dated 
May 24th, he says : " Every day deepens the convic- 
tion in my mind that I am not in the place where God 
would have me be. It was to the interior, and not to 
Rangoon, that my mind was turned long before I left 
Maulmain ; and while I feel that brother and sister 
Wade are in the right place, I feel that I am called 
elsewhere. Under these impressions, I am. about pro- 
ceeding up the river, accompanied by Moung Ing, 
Moung En, Moung Dway, Moung Dan, baptized 
April 4, and little Moung Like, not yet baptized. The 
boat on which we embark will take us to Prome, the 
great half-way place between this and Ava, and there 
I hope and pray that the Lord will show us what to do." 
On the 29th he embarked, intending, as he pro- 
ceeded up the Irrawaddy, to preach and distribute the 
word of life. The evangelistic labors of this excursion 
are presented in journals and letters addressed con- 
jointly to co-laborers and the corresponding secretary 
of the board. Our missionary arrived at Prome early 
in June. He remained there for more than three 
months. He sought, immediately on his arrival, to 
obtain a house, but owing to the fear of the people 
lest, if war should occur, they should compromise 
themselves by having at any time entertained a for- 
eigner, he was unsuccessful. In this emergency Mr. M., 
a European, invited him to stay with him a few days 
till he could make further arrangements. So general 
was the terror of the people, that Mr. Judson wrote : 
" The very face of a white man spreads general alarm. 
Mr. M. has been accused of being a spy, though nothing 
can be more false ; and it was even proposed to put him 
in confinement. I find that the same suspicion is gen- 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 257 

erally felt toward me. I foresee that people will be 
afraid to come near me, and that my usefulness here 
will, on that account, be greatly impeded. Add to 
this that tlie town has been so dreadfully oppressed to 
pay their contingent of the government debt, that 
poverty, distress, and terror are the order of the day. 
However, the vfalJs of Jerusalem have sometimes been 
built in troublous times. 

''Failing in my attempt to hire a house, I went in 
search of a vacant spot to build on. Fell in with two 
of the first officers of the place, and had a little friendly 
conversation. Found, in the heart of the town, an 
old, dismantled zayat, in front of a pagoda, with a 
little vacant ground around k. Went to the deputy- 
governor, presented him with a tract, and warned him 
not to be intoxicated with worldly splendor, for life 
was short, etc. He read part of the tract, and said 
that my words were very proper. One of my people 
respectfully requested leave to repair the old zayat for 
the residence of the kalah pong-gyee, until he should 
proceed to Ava. The governor was disposed to be 
kind, but fearing, I suppose, for the reasons above 
mentioned, to do any thing on his own responsibility, 
said that he would bring forward my business in the 
court-house, the next day, before the assembled au- 
thorities of the place. IN'otwithstanding this promise, 
however, nothing was done the next day : and it being 
Lord's day, I staid at home, had usual worship with 
my people, and tried to study patience and Thomas a 
Kempis in the shattered house that Mr. M. occupies, 
Avith the rain beating in on every side. 

" On Monday," Mr. Judson writes, "I went myself 
to the court-house, and found the magistrates assem- 
bled, each sitting at his post, in Burraan style, and the 



258 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

deputj-governor in the center. He pretended not to 
see or know me. I waited some time, and in an in- 
terval of business addressed some of the inferior mag- 
istrates. An inquiry arose who I was, and what I 
wanted. The deputy-governor began slilj to assist 
me, and after considerable conversation it was unani- 
mously agreed that I should be permitted to take pos- 
session of the old zayat, and repair it for my present 
residence. From the court-house I went to survey 
my new estate. I iind it to be forty -five feet long and 
twenty feet wide. The posts and the main parts of 
the roof and floor, being of teak, are still extant ; but 
it is all overgrown with wild creepers, and makes, on 
the whole, a pretty venerable ruin. It stands on holy 
ground, occupying one corner of the inclosure of a 
pagoda, which corner I am to surround with a fence, 
and thus have an inclosure about four times larger 
than the ruin itself. This morning I am sending out 
people to beg materials and engage workmen to make 
the place habitable as soon as possible." 

Mr. Judson took possession of the old zayat June 
26th. For a few days appearances were very encour- 
aging, but July 2d he had to note unfavorable indica- 
tions. " A great change has taken place in the minds 
of government people toward me. Satan has industri- 
ously circulated a report that I am a spy in pay of the 
British. Last night the deputy-governor sent to in- 
quire my name and title. This morning I waited on 
liim, and on the lady governess, but met with a very 
cold reception at both places. The deputy-governor 
is probably reporting me to Ava, and what the conse- 
quences will be I know not. Several visitors, who be- 
gan to listen with some favorable disposition, have sud- 
denly fallen off. To-day I have had no company at all." 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 269 

The views which he knew the people entertained 
caused him to write, Jnly 3d: "Feel extremely de- 
jected this evening. Kever so heartily willing to 
enter into my rest, yet willing to offer, and I do, with 
some peculiar feelings, offer my poor life to the Lord 
Jesus Christ, to do and to suffer whatever he shall 
appoint, during my few remaining days. My follow- 
ers feel some courage yet, for they have, I hope, a 
little faith, and they know, also, that whatever storm 
comes, it will beat upon their teacher first." The 
change in the people is thus portrayed the following 
day : " Another day of Burman worship, and a great 
day, being the first day of Lent, a season which con- 
tinues three months. After usual worship, took a 
stroll through the place. All smiles and looks of wel- 
come are passed away ; people view me with an evil 
eye, and suffer their dogs to bark at me unchecked." 
But if the people frowned upon him, God did not. He 
was able to close the records of the day with the state- 
ment : " I can not but hope that two persons have this 
day obtained some discovery of the way of salvation 
through a crucified Saviour. But it is really affecting 
to see a poor native when he first feels the pinch of 
truth. On one side he sees hell ; on the other side, 
ridicule, reproach, confiscation of goods, imprison- 
ment, and death." 

The measures employed to diffuse truth and its re- 
ception are thus recorded on successive days : 

''^ July 9. — Having agreed that two or three of our 
number shall go out every day, in different directions, 
and preach the Gospel, whether the people will hear 
or forbear, my lot fell in a public zayat, about a mile 
from home, near Shway San-dau, where I had an un- 
interrupted succession of hearers from morning till 



260 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

night. Pastor Ing and Moiing Dway were successfully 
engaged in another quarter, and Moung En had some 
company at home. I presume that a hundred and fifty 
people have this day heard the Gospel intelligibly, 
who never heard it before. 

" July 10. — The same as yesterday, except that, 
l)eing ill, I left the zayat about noon. Moung A was 
with me in the afiernoon. His case is becoming ex- 
tremely interesting. He is a bright young man, with 
a small family, formerly belonged to Caesar's house- 
hold, and bore a considerable title, which was forfeited 
through false accusation. He began last night to pray 
to the Eternal God. 

^^ July 11, LorcTs Day. — Several came in during 
worship, and behaved decently, though they would 
not put themselves into a devotional posture, or join in 
the responses. One man, in particular, professed to 
Vje excessively delighted with the new and wonderful 
things which he heard. Moung A present at evening 
worship, but he remains in a very critical state. Xo 
wine to be procured in this place, on which account 
we are unable to unite with the other churches, this 
day, in partaking of the Lord's Supper. 

''^ July 12. — A Burman day of worship. In the morn- 
ing, received private information that the deputy-gov- 
ernor, as I conjectured, did actually report me to Ava. 
If any order be given immediately, whether favorable 
or unfavorable, it may be expected in the course of a 
fortnight. Felt rather dejected, but endeavored to put 
my trust in God, and resolve to work while the da}^ 
lasts. The zayats being all full of worshipers, I took 
my seat on a brick under the shed over the great idol, 
and, from morning till midnight, crowd succeeded 
crowd. Some became outrageously angry, and some 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 261 

listened with delight. ^ Some said, He is a good man ; 
but others said, J^aj, he deceiveth the people.' About 
noon, heard Moung Dwaj's voice on the other side of 
the idol. Pastor Ing "was busy in another quarter. 
At home, Moung En received a visit from Myat-pyoo, 
one of the two persons mentioned on the 4th. He is 
sixty-nine years old, a little deaf, very timid and re- 
tiring. My expectations of him are not disappointed. 
He says that he thinks this is the true religion, and the 
only one that provides a way of escape from hell, of 
which he is exceedingly afraid, in. consequence of his 
many, many sins. 

" July 13. — Took up my position at my favorite 
zayat. It stands at the crossing of two great roads, the 
one leading from the river side to Shway San-dau, and 
the other from the town to the place of burying, or 
rather burning, the dead. Several funeral processions 
pass every da}', and many of the followers, in going or 
returning, stop at my zayat to rest. To-day there was 
a funeral of distinction, and all the officers of govern- 
ment, with their respective suites, attended. In con- 
sequence of this, the crowd around me was greater 
than ever before. But they were not hearers of the 
right stamp. Most of them, being adherents of gov- 
ernment, were rude, insolent, and wicked in the ex- 
treme. A few considerate persons remained till night, 
particularly one man, on whose account I also re- 
mained, though dreadfull}^ exhausted. He has been 
with me two days, and I have a little hope that he be- 
gins to feel the force of truth. 

^^ July 14.— Another day of hard conflict. The ene- 
my begins to be alarmed, and his forces come on fresh 
and fierce, while we, few in number, have to sustain the 
combat without any human re-enforcement. The spirit 



262 Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 

is willing, but the flesh is weak. At night, felt an en- 
tire prostration of strength, so much so that I was un- 
able to go through with the evening service as usual. 

" July 15. — Staid at home, and had some company, 
who listened w^ell. Oo Myat-pyoo appears to have 
taken the religion of Christ into his heart. He and 
Moung A bid fair to be the first-fruits of the mission 
here. 

" Moung Dw^ay is about returning to Rangoon and 
Maulmain. He will take Moung Like with him, so 
that I shall have no other assistants besides Pastor 
Ing and Mouiig En, Moung Dan being useful in the 
kitchen department only. I hope, however, that Moung 
Dway's business will be facilitated by all parties, so 
that he will be able to rejoin me before long. 

'-'July 16. — Moung San-lone has just arrived from 
Rangoon, and proposes staying with me a while. I 
close this to forward by Moung Dway." 

After the last date recorded above, Mr. Judson did 
not keep a diary. A letter dated August 23d, gives a 
summary of his experiences : " My time has been spent 
in the same way as stated in the first part of that 
month. At one period the whole town seemed to be 
roused to listen to the news of an Eternal God, the 
mission of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the way 
of salvation through his atonement. A considerable 
proportion of the hearers became favorably disposed. 
At length the enemy assumed a threatening aspect ; 
the poor people became frightened ; many sent back 
the tracts they had received ; and there was a general 
falling off at the zayats. I was summoned to undergo 
a long examination at the court-house, not, however, 
on the subject of religion, but concerning all my past 
life since I have been in Burmah. The result was for- 



Yeaks of the Eight Hand of God. 263 

warded to Ava. The magistrates still preserve a per- 
fect neutrality, in consequence of the absence of the 
governor. At Ava I have been regarded as a suspi- 
cious character ever since I deserted them at the close 
of the war, and went over to the British. I know not 
what impressions the governor of this place will there 
receive, or how he will feel toward me when he is in- 
formed of the noise I have made in Prome during his 
absence." 

At this period intelligence reached him of the de- 
clining health of Mr. Boardman, who had some time 
before removed to Tavoj, and Mr. Wade's purpose of 
leaving Rangoon. Mr. Judson writes : "I had some 
thoughts of returning immediately to Rangoon ; but 
on further consideration and prayer, I feel that I must 
work while the day lasts at Prome. I have some 
company at the zayats every day, and crowds on days 
of worship. Most of the hearers are opposers ; but I 
observe in distant corners those who listen with eager- 
ness. There are five persons who have, I trust, ob- 
tained a little grace ; but in the present dark time, 
they give no satisfactory evidence." 

When not permitted to spend his time in labor among 
the people, his brethren appear to have furnished him 
an abundance of employment. His journal, Septem- 
ber 8th, says : " The rise of the river has, for several 
days, prevented my going to the zayats, they being 
situated in a distant part of the town. I have employ- 
ed myself in revising brother Wade's "Investigator," 
and send herewith a clean copy. In return, I hope to 
be favored with a few hundred printed copies. It is a 
piece of great merit, and ought to be brought to bear 
on the enem}^ without delay. An edition of three 
thousand will not be too large. I have already sent 



264 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

down some corrections for brother Boardman's " Ship 
of Grace." That piece is well written, but not so well 
adapted for present service. It is, however, acceptable 
among the converts ; and I should be glad to see it in 
print, especially if the author should be taken away, 
that, being dead, he may yet speak. His Scripture 
extracts, I have no doubt, will be as judicious as can 
be made ; and the work ought to be put into immedi- 
ate circulation." 

The unfavorable influences at work caused him to 
despair of any great amount of good. The most prom- 
ising inquirers, it was found, were soon intimidated. 
He refers to several in the following paragraph : " We 
have had one new inquirer of a most promising ap- 
pearance, a secretary of the deputy-governor. He 
had repeatedly visited me at the zayats ; at length he 
came to the house, and finally began to attend our 
evening worship. But alas ! as has been the case with 
all our good inquirers, he met, I suppose, with some 
violent threatening, and a few days ago suddenly and 
entirely disappeared. Old Go Myat-pyoo, mentioned 
July 15th, sends me word, that he reads our writings 
every day, and thinks of us constantly, but begs we 
will never mention to any person that he formerly 
visited us. As for Moung A, he has privately left the 
place altogether, for w^hat reason we can not ascertain. 
You can have no idea of the fear of government which 
pervades all classes. I never saw so much of it be- 
fore." 

Ten days after he took his departure he thus ex- 
presses the sentiments which filled his mind : "Afloat 
on my own little boat, manned by none other than my 
three disciples, I take leave of Prome and her tower- 
ing god Shway San-dau, at whose base I have been 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 265 

laboring, with not tlie kindest intentions, for the last 
three months and a half. Too firmly founded art thou, 
old pile, to be overthrown just at present; but the 
children of those who now plaster thee with gold, will 
yet pull thee down, nor leave one brick upon another. 

" The government writer, Moung Ky wet-nee, who 
recommenced visiting us a few days ago, has been 
hanging about us for two hours, lamenting our depart- 
ure ; and he is now sitting alone at the water's edge, 
looking after our boat as it floats down the stream. 
^ Mark me as your disciple ; I pray to God every day ; 
do you also pray for me ; as soon as I can get free from 
my present engagements, I intend to come down to 
Rangoon,' are some of his last expressions. 

" The sun is just setting. We could not get our boat 
ready earlier in the day, and, as it is Saturday evening, 
we intend to proceed as far as Men-dai, in order to 
spend the Lord's day there. There is no period of my 
missionary life that I review with more satisfaction, or 
rather with less dissatisfaction, than my sojourn in 
Prome. This city was founded several hundred years 
before the Christian era. Through how many ages 
have the successive generations of its dark inhabitants 
lived and died, without the slightest knowledge of the 
great Eternal, and the only way of salvation which he 
has provided ! At length, in the year 1830, it was 
ordered that a missionary of the Cross should sit down 
in the heart of the city, and from day to day, for above 
three months, should pour forth Divine truth in lan- 
guage which, if not eloquent and acceptable, was at 
least intelligible to all ranks. What a wonderful phe- 
nomenon must this have been to celestial beings, who 
gaze upon the works and dispensations of God in this 
lower world ! It was necessary to the accomplishment 

12 



266 Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 



of the Divine purpose that, after so many centuries of 
darkness, there should be such an exhibition of light 
as lias been made, and no more. Thousands have 
heard of God who never, nor their ancestors, heard 
before. Frequently, in passing through the streets, 
and in taking my seat in the zayats, I have felt such a 
solemnity and awe on my spirit as almost prevented 
me fi-om opening my lips to communicate the moment- 
ous message with which I was charged. How the 
preacher has preached, and how the hearers have heard, 
the day of judgment will show. O, how many will 
find their everlasting chains more tight and intolerable 
on account of the very warnings and entreaties they 
have received from my lips ! But what more can be 
done than has been done? Though warned and en- 
treated, they have willfully, obstinately, and blasphe- 
mously refused to listen. But, blessed be God, there 
are some whose faces I expect to see at the right hand 
of the great Judge. The young man just mentioned, 
the carpenter Moung Shway-hlah, a poor man, by name 
Moung Oo, in addition to some others mentioned in 
former letters, give us reason to hope that they have 
received the truth in good and honest hearts. Many 
also there are who have become so far enlightened, 
that I am sure they never can bow the knee to Shway 
San-dau without a distressing conviction that they are 
in the wrong way. Farewell to thee, Prome ! Will- 
ingly would I have spent my last breath in thee and 
for thee. But thy sons ask me not to stay, and I must 
preach the Gospel to other cities also ; for therefore 
am I sent. Read the five hundred tracts that I have 
left with thee. Pray to the God and Saviour that I 
have told thee of. And if hereafter thou call me, 
though in the lowest whisper, and it reach me in the 



Yeaes of the Right Hand of God. 267 

very extremities of the empire, I will joyfully listen, 
and come back to thee." 

Some fruit of these labors at Prome was found in 
after years by other missionaries. In 1833, on his way 
to Ava, Mr. Kincaid called at several towns on the Ir- 
rawaddy. At Tharet he records the following incident : 
" While I was giving away some tracts to a crowd of 
people that lined the shore, a young man of interesting 
appearance came near, and said : ' Will you please 
give me St. John's History of Christ, and the Acts of 
the Apostles V ' Did you ever read these books V 
' Yes. Teacher Judson gave them to me in Prome ; 
but when the city was burned, I lost the books.' I 
gave him the books and four tracts, and he immedi- 
ately disappeared in the crowd. Soon after this, we 
moved our boat one or two miles farther up the town, 
where we would be more secure from 'the wind. I 
could not help thinking of this young man, but did 
not expect to see him again. However, at dark he 
made his appearance, and said : ' There is a man in 
this city, besides me, who believes in Jesus Christ, and 
he wants to see the teacher and get books ; but he 
thinks the boat is away, and has sent me to search.' 
We followed the young man, and how were we sur- 
prised and almost overjoyed to find a venerable old 
man full of faith and hope in Christ, though he had 
no other teacher than ' St. John's History of Christ,' 
and the ' Yiew,' accompanied by the influence of the 
Holy Spirit. He said he had loved Chrst for about 
two years, and his language was that of a man who 
was acquainted with his own heart. He spoke dis- 
tinctly of the carnal and spiritual mind, of regenera- 
tion and baptism. The young man before mentioned 
had heard brother Judson preach in Prome, and had 



268 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

got books ; afterward he brought them to this town, 
and read them to this old man, and both, I trust, are 
born of God." With such records of the results ef- 
fected by tracts, we can imagine the verses of Mont- 
gomery concerning these little messengers very appro- 
priate in regard to those Mr. Judson distributed at 
Prome : 

" Oh, could the first archangel's sight 

The least of these pursue, 
He might record, in its brief flight 

Each had a work to do — 
A work of grace, a work of power ; 

But what that was below, 
Time's last, eternity's first hour 

To heaven and earth will show." 

After spending a few days in efforts to do good on 
his way down the river, the supply of tracts being ex- 
hausted, Mr. Judson determined to hasten to Rangoon. 
He records, September 25th : " Came in sight of my old 
acquaintance, Shway Dagon." He landed in Rangoon 
the same day. A short time after his return he had 
reason to believe that he had not taken his departure 
from Prome too soon. He writes : 

" October 8. — Have just received intelligence that 
about the 1st of September the king issued an order 
that I should be removed from Prome, ' being exceed- 
ingly annoyed that I was there, in the interior of the 
country, distributing papers, and abusing the Burmese 
religion.' The woon-gyees, being unwilling to proceed 
to extremities, made application to Major Burney, the 
British resident at Ava, who assured them that he had 
no control over me ; that I was in no way connected 
with the British government, but employed exclusively 
in the duties of my profession ; and he begged them 
not to proceed to adopt a measure which would be 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 269 

condemned as intolerant by good men of all countries. 
Tliey said, however, that his majesty's order was per- 
emptory, and that it was necessary for me to confine 
my labors within the limits of Rangoon. Major Bur- 
ney then consented to write me on the subject." 

On returning to Rangoon, our missionary gave him- 
self to labors of evangelization with great zeal. Among 
the means on which he placed reliance, the circulation 
of tracts held great prominence. An interesting in- 
stance of the beneficial results of this instrumentality 
is recorded in his journal: "The case of Ko San de- 
serves particular notice. He is a respectable elderly 
man, residing in a village north of Ava. Twelve years 
ago a copy of the first edition of the first tract found 
its way thither, and he treasured it up as the truth. 
At subsequent times he occasionally met with disciples, 
particularly during the war, when some of them fied 
beyond Ava with the rest of the population. The 
more he heard of the Christian religion, the better he 
liked it. He has now concluded to remove to Ran- 
goon. His wife is of the same mind with himself, and 
when they arrive, will both, he says, request baptism." 

A stronger testimony to the value of the printing- 
press as an auxiliary in the work of evangelization, 
has, perhaps, never been uttered than is presented in 
the following extracts from a letter which Mr. Judson 
wrote in ISTovember, 1830, to Mr. Bennett, the mission 
printer : "I am more and more convinced that Burmah 
is to be evangelized by ti*acts and portions of Scripture ; 
they are a reading people beyond any in India. The 
press is the grand engine for JBurmah. Every pull of 
the press throws another ray of light through the em- 
jpireP At the time this was written he was sending 
for different publications by thousands. 



270 Years of the Eight Hand of God. 

In the diffusion of the truth, Mr. Judson sought to 
employ his native assistants, in order to carry forward 
the translations with as little interruption as possible. 
The plans pursued are presented in the following ex- 
tract from a letter to Dr. Bolles, E"ovember 21, 1830 : 
" Since my return to this place I have chiefly confined 
myself to the garret of the house we occupy, in order 
to get a little time to go on with the translation of the 
Psalms, which was begun three years ago, but has 
been hitherto postponed for more important missionary 
work, which was ever pressing upon us. Some of the 
disciples occupy the front part of the house below, and 
receive company and distribute tracts and portions of 
Scripture. The more hopeful visitors are shown the 
way up stairs. But notwithstanding this arrangement 
I am interrupted above half my time. People find 
their way to me from all parts of the country, and 
some, I trust, return with that light in their heads, and 
til at love in their hearts, and that truth in their hands, 
which will operate as a little leaven, until the whole 
mass is leavened." 

In the midst of the pleasurable prosecution of his 
work, Mr. Judson received an invitation from the 
board in America to revisit his native land. The fol- 
lowing is a copy of his reply : 

TO THE REV. DR. BOLLES. 

Rangoon, December 20, 1830. 

Rev. and dear Sir — I am happy to inform the board that my 
health, which was rather impaired some time ago, is now quite good; 
so that I should not feel justified in accepting their invitation to re- 
turn home. 

At the same time, the kind feeling which dictated the invitation, and 
the affection, though undeserved, which breathes in every line, have 
made an indelible impression on my heart. I must confess that, in 
meditating on the subject, I have felt an almost unconquerable desire 
to become personally acquainted with my beloved patrons and corre- 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 2Y1 

spondents, the members of the board, as well as to rove once more over 
the hills and valleys of my own native land, to recognize the still sur- 
viving companions of my youth, and to witness the wide-spread and 
daily -increasing glories of Emanuel's kingdom in that land of liberty, 
blessed of Heaven with temporal and spiritual blessings above all others. 
However, I anticipate a happier meeting, brighter plains, friends the 
same, but more lovely and beloved ; and I expect soon to witness, yea, 
enjoy, that glory in comparison of which all on earth is but a shadow. 
With that anticipation I content myself, assured that we shall not then 
regret any instance of self-denial or suffering endured for the Lord of 
life and glory. Your affectionate friend and faithful servant, 

A. JUDSON. 

In the beginning of 1831 we find Mr. Jndson still at 
Rangoon, devoting as much time as possible to the 
translation of the Old Testament. This course he pur- 
sued in accordance with the desire of the board, but 
he sometimes found it dijSicult to reconcile himself to 
it. He writes, February 5th : ''The most prominent 
feature in the mission at present is the surprising 
spirit of inquiry that is spreading everywhere, through 
the whole length and breadth of the land. I some- 
times feel alarmed, like a person who sees a mighty 
engine beginning to move, over which he knows he 
has no control. Our house is frequently crowded with 
company ; but I am obliged to leave them to Moung 
En, one of the best of assistants, in order to get time 
for the translation. Is this right? Happy is the mis- 
sionary who goes to a country where the Bible is 
translated to his hand." 

In February a heavy calamity occurred to the mis- 
sion in the death of Mr. Boardman, whose health had 
for some time occasioned serious fears. Mr. Judson 
pays the following beautiful tribute to his memory, in 
a letter dated February 28th : " One of the brightest 
luminaries of Burmah is extinguished : dear brother 
Boardman has gone to his eternal rest. I have heard 



272 Yeabs of the Eight Hand of God. 

no particulars, except that lie died on returning from 
his last expedition to the Karen villages, within one 
day's march of Tavoj. He fell gloriously at the head 
of his troops, in the arms of victory, thirty-eight wild 
Karens having been brought into the camp of King 
Jesus since the beginning of the year, besides the 
thirty-two that were brought in during the two pre- 
ceding years. Disabled by mortal wounds, he was 
obliged, through the whole of his last expedition, to be 
carried on a litter; but his presence was a host, and 
the Holy Spirit accompanied his dying whispers with 
almighty influence. Such a death, next to that of 
martyrdom, must be glorious in the eyes of Heaven. 
Well may we rest assured that a triumphal crown 
awaits him on the great day, and ' Well done, good 
and faithful Boardman, enter thou into the joy of thy 
Lord.' " 

While death, on the one hand, occasioned sorrow, 
on the other there w^as cause for joy in the addition of 
Messrs. Kincaid, JMason, and Jones to the mission 
forces. While dwelling on the fewness of the mis- 
sionaries, he thus alludes to them: "I am, however, 
most grateful and happy that three new missionaries, 
with their wives, have lately arrived, and are now ap- 
plying themselves to the language, and preparing to 
come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. 
May he preserve their lives many years, and make them 
more successful and blessed than their predecessors." 
The reader will have noticed, by previous extracts, 
how much Mr. Judson's mind was at this time devoted 
to the distribution of printed matter. The following 
record, dated March 4th, 1831, gives a further view of 
his tract operations, and the emotions which the mul- 
titudes destitute of the word of life awakened: "The 



Years of the Right Hand of God. 273 

great annual festival of Shway Dagon is just past, 
during which I have distributed nearly ten thousand 
tracts, giving to none hut those who ash. Priests and 
people, from the remotest regions, are alike eager to 
get our writings. I should have given away double 
the number if I could have obtained sufficient supplies. 
Eut poor brother Bennett can not, single-handed, with 
bad type, and not yet familiar with Burmese printing, 
answer all the demands which we make upon him 
from different quarters. May God forgive all those 
who desert us in our extremity ; may he save them all. 
But surely, if any sin will lie with crushing weight on 
the trembling, shrinking soul, when grim death draws 
near, if any sin will clothe the face of the final Judge 
with an angry frown, withering up the last hope of 
the condemned in irremediable, everlasting despair, it 
is the sin of turning a deaf ear to the plaintive cry of 
ten millions of immortal beings, who by their darkness 
and misery cry day and night, ' Come to oior rescue^ 
ye hright sons and daicghters of America — come and 

SAVE us, FOR WE ARE SINKING INTO HELL.' " 

The festival to vv^hich he refers above, and his sense 
of the supineness of Christians in the work of evan- 
gelization, are still further exhibited in the following 
letter : 

TO REV. MR. GROW, OF THOMPSON, CONN. 

Rangoon", March 4, 1831. 

Rev. and dear Brother — Your letter of the 19tli July last is be- 
fore me, and your fifty dollars are in the hands of Mr. Jones, at Maul- 
main, who writes me that he is ready to pay it to my order. The 
sentiments expressed in your letter are cheering and encouraging to 
my heart. I wish that all Baptist ministers felt so, and would all 
make such presents, though I should prefer their being made directly 
to the board. My gratitude, however, in both cases is sincere. 

.The great annual festival is just past, during which multitudes come 
from the remotest parts of the country to worship at the great Shway 

12* 



274: Years of the Right Hand of God. 

Dagon pagoda, in this place , where it is believed that several real hairs 
of Gaudama are enshrined. During the festival, I have given away 
nearly ten thousand tracts, giving to none but those who ask. I pre- 
sume there have been six thousand applications at the house. Some 
come two or three months' journey, from the borders of Siam and 
China — " Sir, we hear that there is an eternal hell. We are afraid of 
it. Do give us a writing that will tell us how to escape it." Others 
come from the frontiers of Kathay, a hundred miles north of Ava — 
" Sir, we have seen a writing that tells about an eternal God. Are 
you the man that gives away such writings r If so, pray give us one, 
for we want to know the truth before we die." Others come from the 
interior of the country, where the name of Jesus Christ is a little 
known — "Are you Jesus Christ's man.' Give us a writing that 
tells about Jesus Christ." Brother Bennett works day and night at 
the press ; but he is unable to supply us ; for the call is great at Maul- 
main and Tavoy, as well as here, and his types are very poor, and he 
has no efl&cient help. The fact is that we are very weak, and have to 
complain that hitherto we have not been well supported from home. 
It is almost distressing to find, when we are almost worn out, and are 
sinking, one after another, into the grave, that many of our brethren 
in Christ at home are just as hard and immovable as rocks — ^just as 
cold and repulsive as the mountains of ice in the polar seas. But 
whatever they do, we can not sit still and see the dear Burmans, flesh 
and blood like ourselves, and like ourselves possessed of immortal 
souls, that will shine forever in heaven, or burn forever in hell — we 
can not see them go down to perdition without doing our very utmost 
to save them. And thanks be to God, our labors are not in vain. We 
have three lovely churches, and about two hundred baptized converts, 
and some are in glory. A spirit of religious inquiry is extensively 
spreading throughout the country, and the signs of the times indicate 
that the great renovation of Burmah is drawing near. Oh, if we had 
about twenty more versed in the language, and means to spread 
schools, and tracts, and Bibles to any extent, how happy I should be ! 
But those rocks and those icj' mountains have crushed us down for 
many years. However, I must not leave my work to write letters. 
It is seldom that I write a letter home, except my journal, and that I 
am obliged to do. I took up my pen merely to acknowledge your 
kindness, and behold I have scratched out a long letter, which I hope 
you will excuse, and believe me, 

In haste, your affectionate brother in Christ, 

A. JUDSON. 

In May, Mr. Judson was able to report gratifying 



Years of the Eight Hand op God. 275 

progress in the work of translation. On the 22cl of 
that month he wrote: "I am just finishing the books 
of Isaiah and Genesis, having kept them along to- 
gether, the one by way of refreshment after the toil 
of the other. I have done but little missionary work, 
except distributing tracts and superintending the na- 
tive assistants." 

With respect to his personal distribution of tracts, 
and his hope of their usefulness, the following 'extract 
contains interesting information : "It has been my 
habit for several months past to perambulate the streets 
every morning about sunrise, distributing tracts to 
those who ask. At first I gave away fifteen or twenty 
a day. The average has now risen to seventy. We 
think, from inquiry and observation, that very few are 
destroyed. They are in almost every house, and are 
read in private. The truth is unquestionably spread- 
ing. Were it not for the fear of government, I think 
the spread in this place would be rapid. There are a 
good many hopeful inquirers, but when they arrive at 
a certain point their visits become few and far be- 
tween. They see the Rubicon before them, and dare 
not pass. The number of such persons is continually 
increasing. This can not last always. God will, I 
trust, make a bridge to facilitate their passage." 

The health of Mr. and Mrs. Wade had been for some 
time greatly impaired, and in June tlie health of the 
latter had so much failed, that earnest entreaties were 
made by all the members of the mission at Maulmain, 
that Mr. Wade would accompany her on a voyage, both 
for her benefit and his own. In prospect of losing the 
services of so valuable a colleague, Mr. Judson felt 
himself in considerable doubt as to his own duty. In 
a letter to Dr. Bolles, which states that he had ad- 



276 Yeaks of the Right Hand of God. 

dressed the other missionaries, expressing his concur- 
rence in their wishes, he adds : " I have also written to 
the brethren to know what I shall do with myself in 
the mean time. I know not whether they can keep the 
press moving without me. And though they can, what 
will become of the native flock in Maulmain ? What 
of the Karens ? What of all the people in the ceded 
provinces, from Tenasserim to the frontiers of China ? 
What of all the people from Rangoon to Ava ? I am 
startled and terrified to find that, by several unexpected 
moves, I am left, as it were, alone, there being not 
another foreigner in all the country that can preach the 
Gospel to the perishing millions, north and south, or 
feed the infant churches, except, indeed, Mrs. Bennett, 
who has begun to take the management of the female 
meetings. My prayers to God and my entreaties to 
my brethren at home seem to have equal efficacy. 
Since the last missionaries left home, I perceive no fur- 
ther signs of life. However, it is a comfort that those 
last arrived are on the ground ; and I can not but san- 
guiuely hope that dear brother and sister Wade will, 
in due time, return with renovated health and a fresh 
re-enforcement." 

In June the missionaries at Maulmain replied to his 
inquiries, by requesting him to remove to that place. 
This he did not feel at liberty to do till an American 
missionary should be ready to occupy his j)lace at 
Rangoon. Mr. Jones accordingly agreed to relieve 
him, and arrived at Rangoon, July 3d. Three days 
afterward Mr. Judson left. He reached Maulmain, 
after a tedious passage, August 11th, having been ab- 
sent more than a year. His reception at the mission 
premises attested the joy of all in his return. '' I had 
no sooner set foot than I found myself surrounded by 



Yeaes of the Eight Haxd of God. 277 

a crowd of native Christians, children of the school 
and members of the mission ; and our joy was recip- 
rocal. Find there are continual accessions to the Eu- 
ropean church under the care of brother Kincaid, some 
encouraging news from the Karens in the north, but 
prospects among the native population of Maulmain 
rather dark." 

Immediately after Mr. Judson's return, two were 
added to the Maulmain church. The appearance 
of the church was at this time in many respects en- 
couraging; but in one particular some of its mem- 
bers did not meet his own views of Christian duty. 
In a letter which he addressed to the female members 
of Christian churches in the United States, he says : 
" On my meeting the church after a year's absence, I 
beheld an appalling profusion of ornaments, and saw 
that the demon of vanity was laying waste the female 
department." This proved a cause of great disquiet 
to him ; and it was in consequence of his knowledge 
that the customs of Christians coming from his na- 
tive land were likely to have an influence in perpetua- 
ting the evil, he wrote his admirable letter mentioned 
above. 

In September, Mr. Judson left Maulmain with a view 
of laboring for a time with the Karens, to whose vil- 
lages Mr. Wade and other missionaries had made sev- 
eral excursions to preach the Gospel. It had been 
Mr. Judson's intention to devote considerable time to 
the people, but owing to sickness he was compelled in 
two weeks to return to Maulmain. Writing from that 
place, September 27th, he says: "Am just recover- 
ing from the fever, and able to record my gratitude 
to God for his sparing mercy, and to brother and sister 
Bennett, and my attending physician. Dr. Richardson, 



278 Years of the Right Hand of God. 

for their kind attention and care, by means of which 
another span is added to my forfeited life. Renewedly 
would I devote it, whether longer or shorter, to the 
service of my God and Saviour, 

' If so poor a worm as I 
May to thy great glory live.' " 

Although Mr. Judson's visit was thus cut short, yet 
it allowed him an opportunity in some part to execute 
an important project. Previous to his leaving Maul- 
main for these villages, he had established an adult 
school, and September 28th he was able to record that 
" three of the Karens whom I had selected from all 
the baptized, namely, Tau-nah, Pan-lah, and Chet- 
thing, have arrived, with their wives and children, and 
one girl from another family — fifteen souls in all. It 
is our intention to place the men in the adult school, 
and qualify them to read and interpret the Scriptures 
to their countrymen. In the mean time their families 
will be acquiring a little civilization and Christian 
knowledge, which will render them useful when they 
return to their native wilds. The plan will involve 
some expense, as they must, of course, be supported 
while at school. Each family will require six or seven 
rupees per month. But I know of no way in which 
a little money can be laid out to greater advantage, 
for the promotion of the cause of truth among this 
people." 

In November, Mr. Judson was able to report that the 
school " does well. It contains about twenty persons — 
men, women, and children. Most of them are profess- 
ors of religion, and six are Karens ; the rest, inhabi- 
tants of Maulmain. Some of them are boarded in 
whole, some in part, and some board themselves." 

This school was continued in operation till the close 



Years of the Eight Hand of God. 279 

of the following month, at which time it was sus- 
pended, "most of the scholars having learned to read 
and committed to memory several important portions 
of the tracts and Scripture." 

With the close of the year 1831 Mr. Judson made a 
return to the board of the progress of the mission. 
By this it appears from its re-establishment to this time 
three hundred and fifty-five persons were baptized. 
All but three of this number were added in the years 
embraced in the records of this chapter. Of those bap- 
tized, one hundred and thirteen were from the British 
forces. 

In these years of prosperity the mission sustained 
loss by death of Mr. Boardman. Others were greatly 
worn down by sickness, while the recruits from the 
United States were but few. 

Previous to the war, it should be remarked, only eight- 
een persons had been baptized, and on the re-establish- 
ment of the mission it was found death had removed 
several of these. 'In the later years, the events of 
which are recorded 'in this chapter, soon as a person 
was known to be "considering the new religion," his 
relatives and acquaintance rose " en masse to oppose 
him," "so that," Mr. Judson wrote, "to get a new 
convert is like pulling the eye-tooth of a live tiger." 

In view of these things, the rapid increase of the 
membership of the churches under the care of our sub- 
ject and associates gives evidence that "the hand of 
the Lord was with them." 



LIFE IN THE JUNGLE. 

"In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of ro'b'bera, . . 
in perils in tlie -wilderness." — 2 Cob. xi. 26. 

THE Karens occupied Mr. Judson's chief attention 
during the early part of the year 1832. This peo- 
ple generally reside in the jungle, where they form set- 
tlements ; but these seldom embrace half a score habi- 
tations, and are of temporary location. When our 
missionary went to Burmah he found them greatly de- 
spised by the dominant race from the fact, not only of 
their roving life, but because they had in general no 
form of religion, and w^ere destitute of a written lan- 
guage. It was on these accounts they received the 
name they bear — a name only too significant of their 
character and condition wherever they have not been 
brought under the meliorating influence of Christi- 
anity. 

The Karens of Burmah are thought by some to be 
allied to the roving tribes who lodge in the forests of 
Siam ; but they are not of a uniform stock — the term 
Karen being generally applied to the people, although 
they differ as much from one another as from the Bur- 
mese. The Karens of Burmah are of two tribes, Phwos 
and Sgaus. The first converts to Christianity were 
nearly all of the latter tribe. 

Previous to the war of 1825 the Karens were sub- 



Life in the Jungle. 281 

jected to great extortions by the Burman government. 
In this respect the annexation of the Tenasserim prov- 
inces to the British possessions proved a great good to 
those of them who were residents in that territory. 
As a people they are described as of milder manners 
and more industrious habits than the Burmese. In 
most respects they are considered superior to the Bur- 
mans in moral qualities ; cleanliness, however, is a 
virtue to which they can lay little claim, and habits of 
intemperance are very common. Indulgence in this 
\ice is easy, from the fact that they can readily man- 
ufacture their own liquor. Dr. Mason denominates 
them a " nation of singers." With respect to religion, 
when they first came under the notice of missionaries 
they w^ere considered atheists in every sense of the 
word. Further acquaintance has shown that they pos- 
sess some belief in the existence of a Divine Being, 
eternal in his nature. Their views of a future state are 
also superior to those of the Burmans. Their tradi- 
tions, which they have received from former genera- 
tions, are very interesting, as exhibiting a remarkable 
coincidence with the expectations of the Jewish nation. 
Gross superstitions, however, prevail among them. 
Boodhism has been received by some few of them who 
have been associated with the Burmese. These have 
generally formed villages of their own. 

This people early engaged Mr. Judson's attention, 
but it was not till 1828 that his sympathies concerning 
them were in measure gratified. In that year, as seen 
already, Ko-thau Byu was converted at Maulmain. 
Having accompanied Mr. Boardman when he com- 
menced the mission at Tavoy, he was baptized there 
in May of that year. Through this man's instrument- 
ality other Karens were brought under missionary in- 



282 Life in the Jungle. 

fluence. On this account Tavoy became associated 
in many minds as the great center for missionary 
operations with the Karens. This impression Mr. 
Judson subsequently sought to remove. " All of us 
here," he wrote, in 1833, "well know that there is 
no other of our stations so remote from the Karen na- 
tion, none where a missionary must inevitably labor 
among that people to so great disadvantage. In the 
Tavoy district it is impossible for him to acquire the 
language j^roperly ; and he is completely insulated 
from the great body of the Karen nation ; and lastly, 
he is cut of from almost all intercourse with the hand- 
ful of Karens in the district during six months of the 
year, in consequence of the intervening country being 
flooded, and there being no river communication." 

The first Karen baptisms in the jungle, near Maul- 
main, occurred in connection with Mr. Wade's labors. 
As the fruits of the labors of a native teacher, several 
inquirers were subsequently gathered, some of whom 
Mr. Judson baptized on his first visit. Though his 
proposed tour was soon abandoned, on account of his 
indisposition, yet he was long enough in the field to 
be eager to return. Mr. Bennett having been com- 
pelled to go to Bengal to improve the types, Mr. Jud- 
son was released from the claims of the printing-office, 
and had thus an opportunity to enter the jungle again. 
This was to him a source of rejoicing. Most would 
think that to a man of Mr. Judson's intellectual culti- 
tivation, these excursions into the wilderness to so 
ignorant a people, and attended by so much that was 
infelicitous to those who know the luxuries of civiliza- 
tion, would have been a heavy cross. Ko records, 
however, which he has made of his missionary life, be- 
token the possession of more delightful emotion than 



Life in the Jungle. 28B 

those wliicli relate to the time when he was wending 
his way over hill and dale through the jungle, fording 
its streams, or embarked on the rivers, calling the 
wandering tribes of Tenasserim to behold their God. 

Closing the adult school, and taking with him the 
three Karen families who had been training these, and 
also other native assistants, whom he called "good 
men and true," he left Maulmain in the last week of 
1831. He arrived at Wadesville January 1st, 1832. 
From this place he proceeded to various villages, till 
he reached the banks of the Salwen, where, according 
to previous arrangement, a boat from Maulmain met 
him. Having followed the course of the river as far 
as trading boats could go, he attempted to visit the 
people beyond by foot, but after one day's experience 
of this mode of travel, he was obliged to return to 
the boat. Subsequently he visited several other vil- 
lages, chiefly on the Salwen. He arrived in Maul- 
main February llth, having been absent six weeks. 
In a little more than two weeks he was again passing 
up the Salwen for a visit to the Karen villages. He 
was absent from Maulmain on this excursion about a 
month. 

In the evangelistic labors of these tours Mr. Judson 
was compelled to rely greatly on an interpreter, and 
to devolve as much labor as was prudent on the native 
assistants. These latter he dispatched in various di- 
rections on short excursions, being rejoined by them 
at points previously agreed on, after which they were 
sent out anew, or he visited with them those places 
where they had found the people most open to the 
truth. 

In these excursions our subject met with hardships 
and incidents which would furnish many travelers con- 



284: Life in the Jungle. 

siderable material for the astonishment of their less 
adventurous kindred. At one time we find his party 
passing up one of the rivers, their way, he says, "fre- 
quently impeded by the trees which had fallen across 
the water, and through which we were obliged to cut 
a passage for the boat." At the time he reached the 
point where the rapids compel trading boats to stop on 
the Salwen, as already seen, he attempted to pursue 
his way by foot, but it was " over dreadful mountains, 
and in the bed of a rivulet, where the water was some- 
times knee deep, and full of sharp, slippery rocks, 
and," he says, "my bare feet, unaccustomed to such 
usage, soon became so sore that I could hardly step." 
It was only when he found that such was the road for 
many miles that he relinquished the attempt to reach 
the people to whom he desired to carry the word of 
life. At another time we find a record in his journal : 
" Obliged to coil ourselves up in our small boat, there 
being no house in these parts, and the country swarm- 
ing with tigers at this season, so that none of us ven- 
tured to sleep on shore." Some of the perils of such 
missionary excursions Mr. Judson made known to his 
personal friends when he visited the United States. 
The following narrative he communicated to Mr. W. 
S. Robarts, of Philadelphia : 

" On one occasion, in making a tour of several hun- 
dred miles, I selected, to accompany me, four Bur- 
mans, two of whom were Christians, and two were 
heathen. As this journey was attended with danger, 
the heathen, agreeable to custom, previous to starting, 
made their offerings to their gods, and endeavored to 
prevail on their Christian companions to do the same, 
which was, of course, declined. During their progress 
they had to cross an inlet of a river. I rolled my rai- 



Life in the Jungle. 285 

ment above mj knees, and, with the heathen attend- 
ants, went high up the stream, and there waded 
across. The two Christians, meanwhile, preferring a 
shorter route, waded through lower down, when sud- 
denly my ears were saluted with piercing cries of dis- 
tress. On hastening to the spot, I found that an 
enormous alligator had seized one of my Christian 
children, and borne him away beneath the water. My 
next and best view was of the monster rising, at a 
considerable distance down the river, with his huge 
leg around the neck of the hapless man, displaying his 
turbaned head above the surface of the water, as if in 
exultation over his victim. This event caused me in- 
describable grief; first, on account of the loss of a 
very beloved convert, and secondly, inasmuch as it 
was ground of triumph for the poor heathen, who 
attributed their preservation to their propitiatory 
offerings." 

Engaged in his Master's work, and knowing that 
the Gospel was preached, our subject thought little of 
the discomfort to which he was exposed. He might 
with truth have used the language of Paul : "I have 
learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be con- 
tent." IS^ot every minister of Christ could have writ- 
ten the following: "Arrived at Pooh-ah'e small vil- 
lage, consisting of three houses, not one of which had 
a leaf of covering. ISTo one welcomed our arrival, so 
we sat down on the ground. Presently the preaching 
of one of the Karen disciples so w^rought upon one of 
the householders — a Burman, with a Karen wife — that 
he invited me to sit on his floor; and my people 
spread a mat overhead, which, with my umbrella, 
made me quite at homey 

The scattered character of the Karen population was 



286 Life in the Jungle. 

a serious hindrance to an extensive knowledge of the 
word of life. The founding of larger villages was 
deemed very important. A few days after Mr. Jud- 
son's arrival at Wades ville he mentions : " The disci- 
ples at this place being desirous of changing their 
residence, and uniting with other disciples from differ- 
ent parts in forming a new settlement, we went down 
the river a short distance, and on the western bank, 
just below the mouth of the Pan-ka-rong rivulet, found 
a spot which, uniting the suffrages of all parties, we 
commended to God, praying him to come and make it 
his abode, and bless the inhabitants with all temporal 
and spiritual blessings, and cause it to be a spring 
whence living waters should flow into all the adjacent 
parts." In another district, a month afterward, an offer 
having been made of ground for a zayat, he marked 
out a place for the edifice, and thus made the begin- 
ning of a village, which was called Chummerah, from 
its situation on the rivulet of that name. 

There was one thing on these visits which disturbed 
his peace, even as it had before he went thither. This 
was the love of personal ornaments. "Little did I 
expect," he says, in his letter on this subject, to the 
female members of Christian churches, " there to en- 
counter the same enemy, in those 'wilds, horrid and 
dark with o'ershadowing trees.' But I found that he 
had been there before me, and reigned with a peculiar 
sway, from time immemorial. On one Karen lady I 
counted between twelve and fifteen necklaces of all 
colors, sizes, and materials. Three was the average. 
Brass bells above the ankles, neat braids of black hair 
tied below the knees, rings of all sorts on the fingers, 
bracelets on the w.ists and arms, long instruments of 
some metal, perforating the lower part of the ear, by 



1 



Life in the Jungle. 287 

an immense aperture, and reaching nearly to the 
shoulders ; fancifully constructed bags, inclosing the 
hair, and suspended from the back part of the head, 
not to speak of the ornamental parts of their clothing, 
constituted the fashions and the ton of the fair Karen- 
esses. The dress of the female converts was not essen- 
tially different from that of their countrywomen. I 
saw that I was brought into a situation that precluded 
all retreat — that I must fight or die. 

" For a few nights I spent some sleepless hours, dis- 
tressed by this and other subjects, which will always 
press upon the heart of a missionary in a new place. 
I considered the spirit of the religion of Jesus Christ, 
opened to 1 Timothy ii. 9, and read these words of 
the inspired apostle : ' I will also that women adorn 
themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness 
and sobriety ; not with hroidered hair^ or gold, or 
jpearls, or costly array? I asked myself. Can I baptize 
a Karen woman in her present attire ? I^o. Can I 
administer the Lord's Supper to one of the baptized, 
in that attire ? E"o. Can I refrain from enforcing the 
prohibition of the apostle ? ^ot without betraying the 
trust I have received from him. Again, I considered 
that the question concerned not the Karens only, but 
the whole Christian world ; that its decision would in- 
volve a train of unknown consequences ; that a single 
step would lead me into a long and perilous way. I 
considered Maulmain and the other stations ; I con- 
sidered the state of the public mind at home. But 
'- what is that to thee f follow thou me^ was the contin- 
ual response, and weighed more than all. I renewedly 
offered myself to Christ, and prayed for strength to go 
forward in the path of duty, come life or death, come 
praise or reproach, supported or deserted, successful 



288 Life in the Jungle. 

or defeated in the ultimate issue. Soon after coming 
to this resolution, a Karen woman offered herself for 
baptism. After the usual examination, I inquired 
whether she could give up her ornaments for Christ. 
It was an unexpected blow. I explained the spirit of 
the Gospel. I appealed to her own consciousness of 
vanity. I read her the apostle's prohibition. She 
looked again and again at her handsome necklace (she 
wore but one), and then with an air of modest decis- 
ion that would adorn, beyond all outward ornaments, 
any of my sisters whom I have the honor of address- 
ing, she quietly took it off, saying, ^ Hove Christ more 
than this? " 

In the jungle, as elsewhere, Mr. Judson found in- 
stances of the power of a published Gospel, even when 
not delivered by the living voice. In recording the 
death of Pan-mlai-mlo, "the first of these northern 
Karens, who, we hope, has arrived safe in heaven," 
he adds : "I ought, perhaps, to except the case of a 
man and his wife, near the head of the Patah river, 
who, though not baptized, and never seen hy any for- 
eign missionary^ both died in the faith ; the man en- 
joining it on his surviving friends to have the " Yiew 
of the Christian Religion" laid on his breast and buried 
with him." 

This incident furnishes the theme for some admira- 
ble lines, a portion of w^hich we subjoin : 

" He never saw 
The book of heavenly wisdom, and no saint 
Had told him how the sinner might be saved. 

But to his hut 
A little tract — a messenger of love, 
A herald of glad tidings— found its way. 
******* * 

The hue 
Of death was on his cheek. His burning brow 



Life in the Jungle, 289 

Told of the pain he felt. Still no saint was near 
To tell of joys to come. No man of God 
Stood by his bed to soothe the final hour : 

But he had peace. 
' When I am dead,' he saith, ' put ye the little book 
Upon my breast, and let it go with me 
Down to my sepulcher. It taught me all 
That I have learned of God, and heayen, and hell. 
I loTe the man who wrote it, and that God 
Who brought it to my home.' " 

In some instances our subject found great encour- 
agement in his work. Thus he writes, January 16th : 
'' Came to Zat-kyee's small village, where one man 
and his wife embraced the truth at first hearing ; and 
the man said, that as there was no suitable place for 
baptizing at that village, he would follow on until he 
could say, ' See, here is water,' etc. I gave him leave 
to follow, not with that view, but to listen further to 
the blessed Gospel." 

Two days after, he says: "Shway-hlah, the man 
v.'ho followed us from the village day before yesterday, 
appearing to be sincere in his desire to profess the 
Christian religion, we held a meeting, though four 
disciples only could be present, and on balloting for 
his reception there was one dissentient vote, so that I 
advised him to wait longer. He appeared to be much 
disappointed and o-rieved ; said that he should perhaps 
not live to see me again, and have an opportunity of 
being initiated into the religion of Jesus Christ ; and 
after a while the two Karen disciples insisting that he 
should be re-examined, we gave him a second trial, 
when, on cross-questioning him in the Burman lan- 
guage, which he understood pretty well (for we began 
to suspect the Karen interpreters of being a little par- 
tial to their countryman), some circumstances leaked 

13 



290 Life in the Jcngle. 

out which turned the scale in his favor, and he gained 
a clear vote. After his baptism he went on his way 
rejoicing, resolving to tell all his neighbors what great 
things the Lord had done for him." 

Again we find him writing of a village of three 
houses : " This little village may be said to have em- 
braced the Gospel. At one time we had eight appli- 
cants for baptism, but two only were finally received — 
Ko Shway and his wife, Nah Nyah-ban. They both 
understand the Burmese language pretty well, and the 
woman possesses the best intellect, as well as the 
strongest faith, that I have found among this people. 
I invited them, though rather advanced in life, to come 
to Maulmain and learn to read, promising to support 
them a few months, and they concluded to accept the 
invitation next rainy season. They followed us all the 
way to the boat, and the woman stood looking after 
us until we were out of sight." Far diflferent was his 
reception at the next settlement: "The villagers lis- 
tened a while, and then sent a respectful message, 
saying that they believed the religion of Jesus Christ, 
that it was most excellent, etc., but begged that the 
teacher would go about his business, and not come to 
disturb them." 

The following gives us a view of other cases of op- 
position to the truth. It relates to Poo-doors village : 
" My people preceded me, as usual, and about noon I 
followed them. But I found that the village was in- 
habited chiefly by Boodhist Karens, and, of course, 
met with a poor reception. After showing myself, and 
trying to conciliate the children and dogs, who cried 
and barked in concert, I left word that, if any wished 
to hear me preach, I would come again in the evening, 
and then relieved the people of ray presence, and re- 



Life in the Jungle. 291 

treated to the boat. At night the disciples returned, 
without any encouragement. One of them, however, 
accidentally met the chief, who said that if I came he 
would not refuse to hear what I had to say. On this 
half invitation I set out, about sunset, and never met 
with worse treatment at a Karen village. The chief 
would not even invite us into his house, but sent us 
off to an old deserted place, where the floor was too 
frail to support us ; so we sat down on the ground. 
He then invited us nearer, and sat down before us, 
with a few confidential friends. He had evidently for- 
bidden all his people to approach us, otherwise some 
would have come, out of curiosity. And what a hard, 
suspicious face did he exhibit ! And how we had to 
coax him to join us in a little regular worship ! It was 
at least an hour before he would consent at all. But 
in the course of worship his features softened, and his 
mind ' crossed over,' as he expressed it, to our reli- 
gion ; and I returned to the boat inclined to believe 
that all things are possible with God." 

Those who were disposed to reject the Gospel, often- 
times showed a bitter hostility to the profession of 
Christianity by their relations. The disciples who ac- 
companied Mr. Judson, after visiting a village, " re- 
turned with the report that the place is divided against 
itself. Some are for and some against us. The oppo- 
sition is rather violent. One man threatens to turn his 
aged father out of doors if he embraces the Christian 
religion." Such demonstrations did not disconcert our 
subject. "Perhaps," he writes, '' this is not to be re- 
gretted. Satan never frets without cause." 

The native assistants whom our missionary em- 
ployed were not perfect, and some of them had to re- 
ceive " line upon line," before they knew what spirit 



292 Life in the Jungle. 

they were of. A glimpse of the training given these 
helpers is presented in the journal : " Moung Zuthee 
unfortunately encountered a very respectable Burman 
priest, with a train of novices, who, not relishing his 
doctrine, fell upon him, and gave him a sound beating. 
The poor man fled home in great dismay, and, I am 
sorry to say, some wrath, begging leave to assemble 
our forces and seize the aggressor for the purpose of 
delivering him up to justice. I did assemble them ; 
and all kneeling down, I praised God that he counted 
one of our number worthy to suffer a little for his Son's 
sake ; and prayed that he would give us a spirit of 
forgiveness, and our persecutors every blessing, tem- 
poral and spiritual ; after which we left the field of 
battle with cool and happy minds." 

When children were born in the first years of mis- 
sionary life, Mr. Judson was in the custom of inviting 
parents and relatives to hold a prayer-meeting to sup- 
plicate the blessing of God upon them. The following, 
as an illustration of his practice, may be found under 
date March 2d. The husband had been baptized on 
his first visit, and the wife had just made a similar pro- 
fession. After her baptism they " united in present- 
ing their younger children that T might lay my hands on 
them and bless them. The elder children, being capa- 
ble of discerning good from evil, came of their own 
accofd, and held up their folded hands in the act of 
homage to their parent's God, while we offered a prayer 
that they might obtain grace to become true disciples, 
and receive the holy ordinance of baptism." In later 
years the increase of the number of converts caused 
Mr. Judson to discontinue this practice. Others were 
fearful that it might assume a sacramental character 
in the eyes of the people. 



Life in the Jungle. 293 

The following record occurred in tlie journal March 
11, Lord's day — "Again took the main river, and soon 
fell in with a boat, containing several of the listeners 
of yesterday, among whom was one man who declared 
his resolution to enter the new religion. "We had 
scarcely parted with this boat when we met another, 
full of men, coming down the stream ; and, on hailing 
to know whether they wished to hear the Gospel of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, an elderly man, the chief of the 
party, replied that he had already heard much of the 
Gospel, and there was nothing he desired more than 
to have a meeting with the teacher. Our boats were 
soon side by side, where, after a short engagement, the 
old man struck his colors, and begged us to take him 
into port, where he could make a proper surrender of 
himself to Christ, We accordingly went to the shore, 
and spent several hours very delightfully, under the 
shade of the overhanging trees, and the banner of the 
love of Jesus. The old man's experience was so clear, 
and his desire for baptism so strong, that, though cir- 
cumstances prevented our gaining so much testimony of 
his good conduct since believing as we usually require, 
we felt it would be wrong to refuse his request." 

While thus disposed to accept the evidence of con- 
version, he was not willing to baptize any concerning 
w^hom he was in doubt. In company with this old man 
was a lad, who " desired also to be baptized. But 
though he had been a preacher to the old man, his ex- 
perience was not so decided and satisfactory, so that," 
Mr. Judson writes, " we rejected him for the present. 
The old man went on his way, rejoicing aloud and de- 
claring his resolution to make known the eternal God 
and the dying love of Jesus all along the banks of the 
Yoon-za-len, his native stream." 



294 Life in the Jungle. 

The same day the old man was baptized our mis- 
sionary wrote : '' The dying words of an aged man of 
God, when he raised his withered, death-struck arm, 
and exclaimed, ' The hest of all is, God is with us,^ I 
feel in my very soul. Yes, the great Invisible is in 
these Karen wilds. That mighty Being, who heaped 
up these craggy rocks, and reared these stupendous 
mountains, and poured out these streams in all direc- 
tions, and scattered immortal beings throughout these 
deserts — he is present by the influence of his Holy 
Spirit, and accompanies the sound of the Gospel with 
converting, sanctifying power. ' The hest of all is, God 
is with us.'' 

' In these deserts let me labor, 
On these mountains let me tell 
How he died— the blessed Saviour, 
To redeem a world from hell.' " 

Yery different were his emotions the next day. The 
superstitions of the people proved a test of Christian 
principle, which in most instances was met with cour- 
age and decision, but some proved insufiicient for the 
trial, and so our missionary had to write : " Alas ! how 
soon is our joy turned into mourning. Mali ]^yah-ban, 
of whom we all had such a high opinion, joined her 
husband, not many days after their baptism, in making 
an off'ering to the demon of diseases, on account of the 
sudden, alarming illness of their ^^oungest child ; and 
they have remained ever since in an impenitent, pray- 
erless state.' They now refuse to listen to our exhort- 
ation, and appear to be given over to hardness of heart 
and blindness of mind. I was, therefore, obliged, this 
morning, to pronounce the sentence of suspension, and 
leave them to the mercy and judgment of God. Their 
case is greatly to be deplored. They are quite alone 



Life in the Jungle. 295 

in this quarter, have seen no disciples since we left 
them, and are surrounded with enemies, some from 
Maulmain, who have told them all manner of lies, and 
used every effort to procure and perpetuate their apos- 
tasy. When I consider the evidence of grace which 
they formerly gave, together with all the palliating 
circumstances of the case, I have much remaining 
hope that they will yet be brought to repentance. I 
commend them to the prayers of the faithful, and the 
notice of any missionary who may travel that way. In 
consequence of the advantage which Satan has gained 
in this village, the six hopefnl inquirers whom we left 
here have all fallen off; so that we are obliged to re- 
tii-e with the dispirited feelings of beaten troops." 

After this period our missiouary's message met with 
a varying reception. '' Some believed the things which 
were spoken, and some believed not." At the end of 
March Mr. Judson went down the Sal wen to Maulmain, 
and writes on the 2Tth of the month : " Am glad, yet 
sorry, to find that brother Bennett arrived a fortnight 
ago from Calcutta with a complete fount of types, and 
yesterday sent a boat to call me, which, however, 
passed us on the way. Must I, then, relinquish my in- 
tention of making another trip up the river before the 
rains set in ? Must I relinquish for many months, and 
perhaps forever, the pleasure of singing as I go : 

' In these deserts let me labor, 
On these mountains let me toil ?' 

Truly the tears fall as I write." 

It seemed the path of duty to settle down again in 
Maulmain, and March 30th he wrote : " Corrected the 
first proof of the 'New Testament in Burman." 

Cheering accounts of the progress of the Gospel in 



296 Life in the Jungle. 

the jungle readied him shortly after he resumed his 
residence at Maulmain. The favorable prospects and 
pressing need of the various fields caused the brethren 
of the mission to feel that a re-enforcement was neces- 
sary. To urge this on the attention of the church in 
America, Mr. Judson drew up the following communi- 
cation. As there is considerable reference in it to the 
Karens, and it is in chronological order, it is inserted 
here. 

TO THE AMERICAN BAPTIST BOARD FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. 

Maulmain", June 4, 1832. 

Respected Fathers and Brethren — At our monthly concert 
this morning it was unanimously agreed that a joint letter should be 
addressed to you, on the importance of sending out more missionaries 
to this part of the heathen world. Being every one of us exceedingly 
pressed fo^ want of time, we can not stop to prepare an elaborate state- 
ment, but must come at once to the point in hand. 

We are in distress. We see thousands perishing around us. "We 
see mission stations opening on every side, the fields growing whiter 
every day, and no laborers to reap the harvest. If each one of us 
could divide himself into three parts, happy would he be, not only to 
take leave of his native land and beloved connections at home, but of 
still nearer and more intimate connections. We want instantly to send 
aid to the Tavoy station, where brother Mason is laboring, almost 
alone. We want instantly to send a missionary to Mergui, a pleasant, 
healthful town, south of Tavoy, where a small church has been raised 
up, and left in charge of a native pastor. Our hearts bleed when we 
think of poor IMergui and the Karens in that vicinity, many of whom 
are ready to embrace the Gospel and be saved. But how can we 
allow ourselves to think of that small place, when the whole kingdom 
of Siam lies in our rear, and the city of Bangkok, at once a port for 
ships and the seat of imperial government.' We want instantly to 
dispatch one of our number to Bangkok. One .' There ought, at this 
moment, to be three, at least, on their way to that important place. 
Another ought to be on his way to Yah-heing, a large town, east of 
Maulmain, from which there is a fine river leading down to Bangkok ; 
there are many Karens at Yah-heing. The Christian religion is creep- 
ing that way, by means of our Karen disciples. North of Yah-heing 
and the Tlioung-yen river, the boundary of the British territory on 



Life in the Jfngle. 297 

that side, lies the kingdom or principality of Zen-mai. There have 
been several communications between the government of Maulmain 
and Lah-bong, the present capital of that country. Moung Shway- 
bwen, one of our disciples, formerly with brother Boardman at Tavoy, 
is a nephew of the prince, or deputy prince, of that country, and is 
anxious to return thither. But how can we send him, a very young 
man, without a missionary ? If we had a spare missionary, what a fine 
opportunity for introducing the Gospel into that central nation ! It 
would open the way to other neighboring nations, not even mentioned 
in foreign geographies, and even to the borders of China and Tartary. 
Between Maulmain and Zen-mai are various tribes of Karens, Toung- 
thoos, Lah-wahs, etc. The former are literally crying out aloud for a 
written language, that they may read in their own tongue the wonder- 
ful works of God. From the banks of the Yoon-za-len, on the north- 
west, the celebrated prophet of the Karens has repeatedly sent down 
messages and presents to us, begging that we would come and instruct 
his people in the Christian religion. But how can we think of supply- 
ing that quarter, when the old kingdom of Arracan, now under British 
rule, and speaking the same language with the Burmese, is crying, in 
the whole length and breadth of her coast, for some one to come to her 
rescue .' In that country are one or two hundred converts, and one 
country-born missionary, from the Serampore connection, who is 
laboring without any prospect of re-enforcement from Bengal, and 
desirous that one of us should join him. Kyouk Phyoo, lately estab- 
lished by the English, is esteemed a healthy place. The commandant 
is disposed to welcome a missionary, and afford him every facility. 
Our hearts bleed when we think of Kyouk Phyoo, and the poor inquir- 
ers that one of our number lately left there, ready to embrace the 
Christian religion, if he would only promise to remain or send a suc- 
cessor. From Kyouk Phyoo the way is open into the four provinces 
of Arracan: namely, Rek-keing, Cheduba, Uamree, and Sandoway ; 
and what a grand field for our tracts, and the New Testament, 
now in press! Of all the places that now cry around us, we think 
that Kyouk Phyoo cries the loudest. No ; we listen again, and the 
shrill cry of golden Ava rises above them all. Ava ! Ava ! with 
thy metropolitan walls and gilded turrets, thou sittest a lady among 
these Eastern nations ; but our hearts bleed for thee ! In thee is no 
Christian church, no missionary of the Cross. 

"We have lately heard of the d«ath of poor Prince Myen Zeing. He 
died without any missionary or Christian to guide his groping soul on 
the last dark journey. Where has that journey terminated.' Is he in 
the bright world of paradise, or in the burning lake .' He had attained 
some knowledge of the way of salvation. Perhaps, in his last hours, 
he turned away his head from the gold and silver idols around hig 

13-^ 



298 Life in the Jungle. 

couch, and looked to the crucified Saviour. But those who first taught 
him were far away ; so he died and was buried like a heathen. It is 
true that the one of our number who formerly lived at Ava would not 
be tolerated during the present reign ; but another missionary would, 
doubtless, be well received, and, if prudent, be allowed to remain. 
Two missionaries ought, at this moment, to be studying the language 
in Ava. 

0, God of mercy, have mercy on Ava, and Chageing, and A-ma-ra- 
poo-ra. Have mercy on Pugan and Prome (poor Prome ! ) , on Toung-oo, 
on the port of Bassein, and on all the towns between Ava and Rangoon. 
Have mercy on old Pegu and the surrounding district. Have mercy 
on the four provinces of Arracan. Have mercy on the inhabitants of 
the banks of the Yoon-za-len, the Salwen, the Thoung-yen, and the 
Gyne. Have mercy on all the Karens, the Toung-thoos, the Lah- 
wahs, and other tribes, whose names, though unknown to Christian 
lands, are known to thee. Have mercy on Zen-mai, on Lah-bong, 
Myeing-yoon-gyee, and Yay-heing. Have mercy on Bangkok, and the 
kingdom of Siam, and all the other principalities that lie on the north 
and east. Have mercy on poor little Mergui, and Pah-Ian, and Yay, 
and Lah-meing, and Nah-zaroo, and Amherst, and the island of Baloo, 
with its villages of Talings and Karens. Have mercy on our mission 
stations at Tavoy, Maulraain, and Rangoon, and our sub-stations at 
Mergui, Chumraerah, and Newville. Pour out thine Holy Spirit upon 
us and our assistants, upon our infant churches and our schools. Aid 
us in the solemn and laborious work of translating and printing thine 
holy, inspired Word in the languages of these- heathen. 0, keep our 
faith from failing, our spirits from sinking, and our mortal frames 
from giving way prematurely under the influence of the climate and 
the pressure of our labors. Have mercy on the Board of Missions, and 
grant that our beloved and respected fathers and brethren may be 
aroused to greater effort, and go forth personally into all parts of the 
land, and put in requisition all the energies of thy people. Have 
mercy on the churches in the United States : hold back the curse of 
Meroz ; continue and perpetuate the heavenly revivals of religion 
which they have begun to enjoy : and may the time soon come when 
no church shall dare to sit under Sabbath and sanctuary privileges 
without having one of their number to represent them on heathen 
ground. Have mercy on the theological seminaries, and hasten the 
time when one half of all who yearly enter the ministry shall be taken 
by thine Holy Spirit and driven into the wilderness, feeling a sweet 
necessisy laid on them, and the precious love of Christ and of souls 
constraining them. Hear, Lord, all the prayers which are this day 
presented in all the monthly concerts throughout the habitable globe, 
and hasten the millennial glory, for which we are all longing, and 



Life in the Jungle. 299 

praying, and laboring. Adorn thy beloved one in her bridal vest- 
ments, that she may shine forth in immaculate beauty and celestial 
splendor. Come, our Bridegroom ; come, Lord Jesus ; come quickly. 
Amen and Amen. 

(Signed) C. Bennett, 

Oliver T. Cutter, 
John Tatlor Jones, 

A. JUDSON, 

J. Wade. 



STUDY-LIFE. 

"I endure all things for the elect's sakes." — 2 Timothy ii. 10. 

AFTER his return from Prome in 1830, at the request 
of the board, Mr. Judson, as abeady shown, resumed 
the work of translation. This task was not one to which 
he would have given himself of his own choice. The 
preaching of the word was a far more congenial em- 
ployment, and it was only in consequence of the urgent 
representations of his American friends that he gave 
himself to the labors of the study. The board recog- 
nized the fact that such toils were " exhausting to the 
spirits and strength ;" but it rightly judged that his 
qualifications for the translation of the Scriptures were 
of such an order that he ought not to contemplate any 
other work till this was done. As the fruit of his toil, 
in addition to the Isew Testament, which he had trans- 
lated in previous years. Genesis, one half of Exodus, 
Psalms, Solomon's Song, Isaiah, and Daniel were ren- 
dered into Burmese before his return to Maulmain, in 
1831. With this important beginning he addressed 
himself to his task, with the hope of carrying it for- 
ward to its consummation, June 25th, 1832. The fol- 
lowing extract from his correspondence shows the 
course he laid out for himself: "Since my last date, 
brother Wade, having had a violent attack of disease, 



Study-life. 301 



has been obliged to come hither in haste* for medical 
aid ; and I have succeeded in persuading him to stay, 
for the following reason: Finding that I should be 
confined to this place for several months, for the pur- 
pose of superintending the printing of the l^ew Testa- 
ment, I was led to turn my attention again to the Old, 
one third only of which is yet done ; and on making a 
calculation, I found that I could finish the whole in 
two years, if I confined myself exclusively to the work ; 
otherwise it would hang on four years or more. Con- 
sidering the uncertainty of life, and the tenor of numc- 
ous letters lately received from home, I concluded that 
it was my duty to adopt the former course ; in order 
to which, however, it was necessary that one of my 
brethren acquainted with the language should be sta- 
tioned here, to take charge of the church and people 
of Maulmain, and the Karens in this region. On sta- 
ting these things to brother and sister Wade, they con- 
cluded to remain, though nothing was farther from 
their minds when they first came round. I have, 
therefore, retired to a room v/hich I had previously 
prepared, at the end of the native chapel, where I pro- 
pose, if life be spared, to shut myself up for the next 
two years ; and I beg the prayers of my friends that 
in my seclusion I may enjoy the presence of the Sav- 
iour, and that special aid in translating the inspired 
Word which I fully believe will be vouchsafed in an- 
swer to humble, fervent prayer." 

The proposed time of seclusion was extended far be- 
yond his expectation. He can scarcely be said to have 
.been emancipated from the study till 1840. The rec- 
ords which this long period affords are comparatively 



* From Rangoon. 



302 Study-life. 



few. There can be but little stirring incident in the 
life of a man who spends every day in voluntary lone- 
liness, and who, with the exception of sometimes seiz- 
ing on some new book from which it is possible he may 
draw a little fresh light for his undertaking, constantly 
devotes his attention to that volume, which beyond all 
others is a 

*' book of ancient date, 
With filial awe ; aud dipping oft his pen 
To write immortal things ; to pleasure deaf, 
And joys of common men ; working his way 
With mighty energy." 

His course at this time was quiet, hut it was not the 
quietude of stagnation. It was, like the foot of time, 
unheard ; but its very silence was the pledge of the 
magnificence of the results. A .missionary's wife at 
this time describing his habits said: "His days and 
nights are spent in a room adjoining the native chapel, 
where he spends all his time, except that devoted to 
meals (twice a day) and exercise, and generally one 
hour or so of social conversation with one of the mis- 
sion families in the evening. He is confining himself 
as closely as possible to the completion of his transla- 
tion of the Scriptures." 

Mr. Judson was soon disappointed in his expecta- 
tions of release from toil by the presence of Mr. Wade — 
the health of the latter being so impaired that before 
the end of 1832 he had to leave for the United States. 
By him Mr. Judson forwarded the following letter : 

TO THE BAPTIST CHURCHES IX THE UNITED STATES. 

Maulmaiiv, A^'overnher 21, 1832. 
Dear Brethren and Sisters — I send this line by brother Wade, 
who, having had ten attacks of his disease within a year, the last of 
which reduced him to such a state that his life was despaired of, is 
obliged, at the urgent advice of his physician, to take a long voyage, 
as the only means of prolonging his life. 



Study-life. 303 



Brother Boardman has left us altogether, having obtained an honor- 
able discharge from this warfare. Brother Jones has gone far hence 
to Slam. In suffering him to go, we cherish the hope that in us would 
be fulfilled that saying, " There is that scattereth and yet increaseth." 
Brothers Kincaid and Mason, though indefatigable in their application 
to the language, are yet unable to afford much efl&cient aid. Brothers 
Bennett and Cutter are necessarily confined to the printing-house. 
Permit us, therefore, in these straitened circumstances, with all Bur- 
mah on our hands, once more to approach your numerous and flourish- 
ing churches, sitting every man under his vine and under his fig tree, 
laden with the richest fruit, and to beseech you to take into compas- 
sionate consideration the perishing millions of Burmah, ignorant of the 
eternal God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the blessed way of salvation; 
and, in consideration of the ruin impending on their immortal souls, 
and in remembrance of the grace of the Saviour, who shed his blood 
for you and for them, to send out a few of your sons and daughters to 
accompany brother and sister Wade, on their return to this land. 

I would add, as a very powerful inducement to embrace the present 
opportunity, that it will not only insure the company and instructions 
of brother and sister Wade, but the instructions of two native converts, 
in consequence of which those who now volunteer their services will be 
able, especially if the study of the language be immediately commenced, 
to proclaim the glad tidings almost as soon as they land on these shores. 

We have now five native churches, and above three hundred commu- 
nicants ; and a spirit of religious inquiry is spreading in all directions. 
Who will come over into Macedonia and help us ? 

Your brother and fellow-laborer in the kingdom and patience of Jesus 
Christ, A. Junsox. 

The departure of so valuable a coadjutor as Mr. 
Wade- greatly deranged Mr. Judson's plans, and pre- 
vented the entire seclusion which he desired. He 
wrote as follows, about a month after his departure : 

TO THE REV. DR. BOLLES. 

Maulmain, Becembe?' 19, 1832. 
Rev. and dear Sir — As proposed in my last, I have spent several 
months in prosecuting the translation of the Old Testament, and I 
made such progress that I hoped to finish it by the end of 1833. But 
brother Wade having lost his health, and been obliged to leave us for 
a time, I find myself under the necessity of changing my plan. The 
New Testament is out of press to-day, and to-morrow I leave this for 
the Karen wilderness, where I expect to spend the next four months 



Study-life. 



It is not my intention, however, to travel about as formerly, but to 
remain at Chummerah, on the Salwen, and, in the intervals of receiv- 
ing company, to go on with the translation, though not so rapidly or 
to so good advantage as hitherto. During my absence, the digest of 
Scripture, made by brother Boardman, and remade by me, the Epi- 
tome of the Old Testament, a separate edition of Luke and John, the 
Three Sciences (revised), and sundry tracts, Burman, Taling, and 
Karen, as they are required, will be carried through the press ; and 
on my return next May we hope to commence printing the Old Testa- 
ment. 

Since my last date there have been nine natives baptized, three of 
them Karens, and eleven Europeans. We have also just heard of two 
more baptized at Rangoon, A. Judson. 

Yarious circumstances delayed the execution of Mr. 
Jndson's purpose of visiting Chummerali, so that he 
did not leave Maulmain till January 18th, 1833. By 
the end of the month he was there diligently pursuing 
liis vocation. He returned to Maulmain early in 
April. "This visit to the Karens," he remarks, "has 
not, like my former visits, been devoted to laboring 
among the people ; but, according to a determination 
made some time ago, to suffer nothing to interrupt the 
translation of the Old Testament until it was done, I 
took my books with me, and sat down to my studies 
the same as if I had been in this place. I have, there- 
fore, done but little for the poor people, besides con- 
ducting daily evening worship, and the usual Lord's 
day worship, through interpreters." 

In June he wrote: "I am toiling on in the Old 
Testament. Am now in the sixteenth chapter of Eze- 
kiel. The minor prophets, and the historical books, 
from 1 Kings to Esther inclusive, still remain. Should 
I escape the fall fever, of which, however, I have no 
reasonable hope, and encounter no other interruption, 
I should certainly finisli by the end of the year." 

Some little time after the above was writtjen, sick- 



Study-life. 



ness interfered with his plans, and in September he 
wrote : " I have lost a month throngh a complication 
of ailments, bnt am now better. Have no remaininor 
hope of finishing the translation of the Old Testament 
bj the end of the year, but shall do as well as I can." 

The end of the year found him "faint, yet pursu- 
ing." In a letter written December 31, 1833, he says : 
" I did hope, at one time, to have been able to insert, 
under this date, a notice of the completion of the Old 
Testament : but thouo^h I have lono; devoted nearlv all 
my time to that work, I have found it so heavy, and 
my health (as usual this season) so poor, that, though 
near the goal, I can not yet say I have attained." 

The letter in which we find the above was detained 
another month, and then he added the following : 

"P. S. January 31, 1834.— Thanks be to God, I can 
now say I have attained. I have knelt down before 
him, with the last leaf in my hand, and imploring his 
forgiveness for all the sins which have polluted my 
labors in this department, and his aid in future efforts 
to remove the errors and imperfections which neces- 
sarily cleave to the work, I have commended it to his 
mercy and grace ; I have dedicated it to his glory. 
May he make his own iNsriKED Word, now complete in 

THE BUEMAN TONGUE, THE GRAND INSTRUMENT OF FILLING 
ALL BURMAH WITH SONGS OF PRAISE TO OUR GREAT GoD 

AND Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen." 

Many have been the eloquent remarks which this 
glorious achievement has called forth. There is both 
truth and beauty in those of Dr. Hague: "If in a 
coming age some Allston should wish to employ his 
pencil in picturing forth a single action that should 
express at once the great aim, the chosen means, and 
the true spirit of the modern missionary enterprise, he 



306 Study-life. 



could scarcely select a more fitting scene than that 
which heaven witnessed with a smile, when Adoniram 
Judson was seen kneeling by the side of that table, 
over which he had long bent his frame in studious ap- 
plication, holding in his hand the last leaf of the Bur- 
man Bible, with his eyes uplifted, and with a counte- 
nance radiant with joy, thanking God that his life had 
been spared to achieve this work, and imploring the 
Divine Spirit to make the silent page a messenger of 
life to man}^" The scene, as presented in the frontis- 
piece of this volume, justifies these remarks. 

When we contemplate the possible and almost cer- 
tain results of giving a translated Bible to nations who 
have been destitute of it, can the laborer or the work 
be too highly estimated ? The tribute which has been 
rendered to the translator of the Scriptures into another 
language of the East any Christian might feel it a priv- 
ilege to ofi'er concerning the Burmese Bible. " Let 
others pay their honors where they will ; the profound- 
est reverence, the liveliest thanks I may offer to a 
creature, shall be reserved from genius, grandeur, hero- 
ism, but cheerfully rendered to him by whose godly 
toil a wide-spoken tongue is first made to utter the 
words whereby my Eedeemer may be known, my fel- 
low-sinners may be saved. The deed is too vast for 
the chronicles of earth, too pure for the praise of men. 
Every letter of its record will be a regenerated soul, 
every stone of its testimonial a redeemed family, every 
note of its paean an angel's joy. He who can pursue 
the sunbeams, and trace, without one omission, every 
lineament of beauty they pencil on tree, and flower, 
and living thing, may tell the blessings that accrue 
when the light of life is flung on the pathway of mil- 
lions whom darkness bewildered and destroyed." 



Study-life. 30Y 



"While our missionary was greatly absorbed in the 
completion of his version of the Scriptures, he was not 
indifferent to the labors in which his associates en- 
gaged. Every indication of progress afforded him joy, 
This may especially be affirmed concerning the at- 
tempt of 'Mr. Kincaid to re-establish the mission in 
Ava. Like as our Lord ever manifested concern for 
Jerusalem, so his sympathies were always drawn forth 
for Ava ; and as He who suffered for our redemption 
sent forth his disciples to preach, " beginning at Jeru- 
salem," the scene of his deepest humiliation and 
agony, so, after the painful experiences Mr. Judson 
had known at Ava, the intenseness of his desire for 
the salvation of its people was the more apparent. On 
receiving a letter from Mr. Kincaid, detailing his ad- 
ventures and prospects at the Burmese capital, which 
he forwarded to Boston, he wrote the following char- 
acteristic note : 

TO THE REV. DR. BOLLES. 

MAULMAm , July 28, 1833. 
Rev. and dear Sir — I write a line to accompany brother Kincaid's 
letter. If there was not a God I should have no hope that he would 
remain long at Ava. The way in which he has been led is not exactly 
the way that human wisdom would have devised ; but God's ways are 
not like our ways. I have written to him to the following purport : 
" You have done well. You deserve the thanks of the mission for the 
bold yet prudent means you have taken to establish a branch of the 
mission at Ava. Maintain your footing in that capital, without the 
interference of British authority, if possible ; but, at any rate, in God's 
name, maintain your footing." 

Yours, respectfully, A. Jtjdson. 

ITot only was he concerned for Burmah, but our 
missionary's study seems to have been a watch-tower, 
from which he could survey the whole world. Soon 
after he heard of the formation of the American Bap- 
tist Home Missionary Society he wrote to the Rev. 



'VoS Study-life. 



Dr. Going, expressing a most affectionate interest in 
its operations, remarking, that although the home and 
foreign fields are distant, yet the laborers are one in 
lieart and one in object. Nor was this concern for 
linman salvation in other regions limited by the mere 
prompting of patriotism. When he returned from the 
jungle in 1831, he wrote to the United States, express- 
in i^ his warm interest in the salvation of the Jews, and 
sought to induce the Baptist Board of Missions to en- 
gage in efforts to gather them to Christ. In 1832, 
having read the considerations which the Rev. Howard 
Malcom presented to the Triennial Convention, in 
favor of a mission to France, he wrote to him, con- 
cerning it, as follows : 

Rev. and dear Sir — I can not let pass the present opportunity of 
forwarding letters to Bengal without dropping a line, to say with what 
deep interest I have read the compendium of your remarks on the ex- 
pediency of attempting a mission to France. The sentence, " Evangel- 
ized France, teeming with religious books, would furnish reading to 
all the intelligent classes in Europe,*' contains a volume. that the 
people of the United States would read it well, and rise at the call ! 
Much as I feel for perishing Burmah, I would heartily rejoice in hav- 
ing a very large proportion of missionary supplies drawn off for the 
rescue of perishing France. 

On finishing your remarks I could not help crying out, "Why does 
he not go himself .' What object in Boston — what in the United States — 
can equal in importance that which he has presented .'" But wliether 
you go yourself, or not, I pray God that you and all your compeers 
may awake more and more to the holiest, the most devoted energies, in 
view of the interesting fields of labor which are opening around — the 
valley of the Mississippi, the land of France, the regions consecrated 
by ancient inspiration, and the remoter regions of Burmah and Siara. 

The translation, we have seen, was completed Jan. 
31st, but there was an important work of revision yet 
to accomplish. This occupied Mr. Judson's chief at- 
tention for several subsequent years. ITevertheless, 
he seized on short intervals for preaching ; and thus, 



Study-life. 309 



while revising a few books of the Old Testament for 
the press, the regular printing of which commenced in 
April, ISStt, he found time to visit the Karen Chris- 
tians, at iSTewville, and baptized several converts. 
Such excursions he regarded as relaxations from toil. 
To these he was also urged that he might, bv his own 
course, demonstrate the importance he felt of mission- 
aries being scattered throughout the country. 

While prosecuting this revision, he released him- 
self for a visit to Tavoj. There, after having been a 
widower eight years, he was nnited in marriage to 
Mrs. Sarah Boardman, the widow of his former beloved 
colleague. This ceremony took place April 10th. He 
thus refers to it in his correspondence : "To-day, hav- 
ing received the benediction of the Eev. Mr. Mason, I 
embark for Manlmain, accompanied by Mrs. Judson, 
and the only surviving child of the beloved founder 
of the Tavoy station. Once more, farewell to thee, 
Boardman, and thy long-cherished grave. May thy 
memory be ever fresh and fragrant, as the memory of 
the other beloved, whose beantiful, death-marred form 
reposes at the foot of the hopia tree. May we, the sur- 
vivors, so live as to deserve and receive the smiles of 
those sainted ones who have gone before ns. And at 
last may we all four be reunited before the throne of 
glory, and form a pecnliarly happy family, our mutual 
loves all purified and consummated in the bright world 
of love." 

At the end of the year ISott, Mr. Judson made the 
following report concerning his employments for pre- 
vious months : " As for myself, I have been almost en- 
tirely confined to the very tedious work of revisins: the 
Old Testament. The revision of about one half is 
completed, and the books from 1st Samuel to Job, in- 



310 Study-life. 



elusive, have been printed in an edition of two thou- 
sand. We should have put the first volume to press 
some time ago, had we not been obliged to wait for 
paper, the London paper not matching the American ; 
and now, though paper has arrived, brother Hancock 
contemplates going to America for new founts of types, 
in several languages, and brother Cutter has gone on 
another visit to Ava, so that we shall not probably re- 
commence printing the Old Testament till his return. I 
am the more satisfied with this arrangement from hav- 
ing just received a complete set of Rosenmuller on the 
Old Testament, and some other valuable works, in 
studying which I am very desirous of going over the 
whole ground once more.'' 

The labors of his revision compelled him to leave all 
preaching, except on the Lord's day, to others, l^ever- 
theless, he desired to promote this important object as 
far as possible. The admirable expedient he adopted 
is shown in the following extract from a letter to Dr. 
Bolles, dated June 30th, 1835 : "I have lately adopted 
tlie plan of employing several native assistants to itin- 
erate in the town and the neighboring villages, for the 
purpose of making known the Gospel and distributing 
tracts. Tliey meet every morning in my study to pray, 
and to report the labors and successes of the preceding 
day. This gives me an excellent opportunity for cor- 
recting their mistakes, and furnishing them with new 
topics of argument and exhortation. I have never 
adopted a plan which pleased me so much, and ap- 
peared to be fraught with so many benefits both to the 
assistants and the people at large. I judge, from the 
daily reports I receive, that a spirit of inquiry and a 
disposition to listen are gradually gaining ground in 
this uncommonly stupid, obstinate place." 



Study-life. 311 



The same letter exhibits his employments in what 
was peculiarly his own department : "As to myself, I 
am never at leisure to go out, being closely employed 
in revising the translation of the Old Testament, and 
reading proof-sheets of Scripture and tracts. The first 
volume of the Old Testament was completed, in an 
edition of two thousand, on the -Ith instant, the second 
volume having been previousl}^ done. The third and 
last, from Psalms to Malachi, will, we hope, be com- 
pleted, in an edition of three thousand, before the end 
of the year. Besides the Old Testament, the presses 
have been employed in printing our standard tracts, in 
editions of thirty and forty thousand. I hope, as soon 
as the whole Bible is out of press, to be at leisure to add 
a few new tracts and elementary works to our present 
scanty stock, and also to attend to the more systematic 
instruction of the assistants, particularly the younger 
ones." 

By the close of the year the whole Bible was print- 
ed. The following letter gives information concerning 
this and other translations : 

TO THE REV. DR. CONE. 

Maulmain, February 4, 1836. 
Rev. and dear Sir — The Burman Bible, in four volumes, octavo, 
containing nearly 2,400 pages, was completed on the 29th of December 
last. We are now printing a second edition of the Psalms, and are 
preparing to print a second edition of the New Testament. In the Ta- 
ling language the New Testament is nearly translated by a native 
scholar, a Christian ; but it miist be thoroughly examined and revised 
by one of our number, who is studying Taling for that purpose, before 
we shall venture to publish it.=^ In the Karen language the New Tes- 
tament is in course of translation at Tavoy, and some part of it will be 
printed as soon as we can obtain a complete fount of Karen types, 
which we are expecting within three .or four months. 

* This work was accomplished by Mrs. Judson amid many domestic 
cares. 



12 Study-life. 



As to introducing Chinese Scriptures into the south-western part of 
the empire, I have no doubt it can be done by two routes — from Ava 
ami from Sadiya. But the missionaries at those stations will doubt- 
less be collecting information on that very important point. 

It is impossible to say how many Bibles could be distributed in Bur- 
mah. If the government were tolerant, I should say tens of thousands, 
whether they could or would be read immediately or not. But one 
word from the viceroy of Rangoon would close that port against our 
bibles and tracts, and that port is the key to the whole country; so 
that we are obliged to proceed prudently; or if we had a printing es- 
tablishment in the country, the importation of paper, and even the 
operation of the press itself, could be prohibited with the same ease. 

But we must all go forward, preaching the Gospel, and distributing 
bibles and tracts in every possible way, and in every language under 
heaven. If one door is shut up, we must push in at another. Victory, 
we fire, sure, will be ours at last. 

I rejoice in the assurance that we have your prayers ; and to every 
friend of the Saviour I would say, Brother, j)^(^y for us. May the 
Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. A. Judson. 

In February, 1836, our missionary was cheered by 
a visit from tlie Rev. Howard Malcom, D. D., now 
president of the university at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. 
Dr. Malcom, as is generally known, was appointed to 
visit the missions of the board in Asia, w^ith a view of 
gathering information, and of eliciting the views of the 
missionaries on various important topics. Much of his 
time, while in Tenasserim, was spent in the house of 
Mr. Judson. To him the arrival of a minister from 
America was a very welcome event, and as he had been 
in the custom of corresponding with Dr. Malcom, lie 
was especially refreshed by his coming. At the close 
of the month of March a convocation of the missiona- 
ries was held, for the consideration of questions which 
had caused the sending of the deputation. During 
these meetings Mr. Judson heard Dr. Malcom preach. 
It is worthy of remark that this was the first discourse 
in English which he had heard in fourteen years ! In 



Study-life. 313 



May following he himself preached a sermon in En- 
glish, on the occasion of Mr. Osgood's ordination. It is 
probable that this was the only English sermon he ever 
preached in Bnrmah. Some services in Rangoon in 
the first days of missionary life, and the few addresses 
he may have made in the meetings of the English sol- 
diers, on resuming his work after the war, probably 
comprise all his efforts in his native tongue. 

While Dr. Malcom remained in Maulmain, it was 
customary for Mr. Judson and himself to pnrsue their 
walks together, in the evenings, upon the hills in the 
vicinity of the town. In one at least of the excursions 
Dr. Malcom made, that up the Salwen, Mr. Judson 
bore him company. This visit from a representative 
of the board proved not only beneficial to the interests 
of the mission, but very consoling ta the missionaries 
in their labors. One result of this deputation was the 
issue of a work of travels,^ which Mr. Judson regarded 
as the very best book on missions extant. "There is," 
he wrote, "more correct information in that book on 
subjects connected with modern missions than can be 
found in any other publication." 

In the early part of the year 1836 our missionary's 
chief employment was the revision, for new editions, 
of tracts and other publications which had been previ- 
ously issued. In May he once more commenced a re- 
vision of the l^ew Testament, in connection with the 
" Life of Christ," a work of two hundred octavo pages. 
The revision of the former he reported completed in 
January, 183T, but he continued making improvements 
till the last proof-sheet went to press. This occupied 
him till March 22d. 

* " Travels in South-Eastern Asia." 
14 



314 Study-life. 



On the completion of this revision, Mr. Judson made 
a visit of some days to Dong-yan, a mission station, 
then nnder the charge of Miss Macomber. Here he 
baptized three persons. On his return he became unwell 
from exposure to the sun. This almost entirely prevent- 
ed his participation in the pleasure given the mission 
families by the visit of Messrs. Thomas, Bronson, and 
Hall, designated to the Shyan and Telinga missions, 
and then on their way to their appointed stations. 

Hoping that his labors, in connection with the 
printing-office, would engross less attention, Mr. Jud- 
son determined to devote a part of his time to more 
public efforts of usefulness. Addressing the corre- 
sponding secretary, March 29th, he says : 

'' I am now writing in a zayat by the wayside, not 
far from the mission-house, where I daily sit to receive 
company. I have some hopeful inquirers, and a few 
applicants for baptism. It is my earnest desire to spend 
the rest of my days in more direct missionary work 
than my studies for many years past have permitted. 
May the Lord grant my desire, if it accord with his 
blessed will, and fit me to be a faithful missionary." 

Describing his employment, June 30th, he wrote : 
" My days are commonly spent in the following man- 
ner : the morning in reading Burman ; the forenoon 
in a public zayat, with some assistant, preaching to 
those who call ; the afternoon in preparing or revising 
something for the press, correcting proof-sheets, etc. ; 
the evening in conducting worship in the native chapel, 
and conversing with the assistants and other native 
Christians or inquirers." 

On the last day of the year he wrote : " My princi- 
pal work in the study, besides correcting a part of the 
Old Testament, has been a ' Digest of Scripture,' con- 



Study-life. 315 



sisting of extracts from the Old and ]N'ew Testaments, 
partly taken from Brown's ' Selection,' Boardman's 
* Digest,' and other similar works. Upon this ' Digest ' 
I have spent nearly four months, intending, according 
to the best of my ability, to make it an elaborate work, 
containing the most important passages of Scripture, 
arranged nnder successive heads, beginning with 'The 
Scripture of Truth,' and closing with ' The Ketribu- 
tions of Eternity.' I trust this work will be as valua- 
ble as the ' Life of Christ,' and perhaps more useful as 
a book of reference." 

After this time it was determined to print a new edi- 
tion of the Burmese Bible in one volume quarto. In 
view of this Mr. Judson determined to give several 
parts of the Old Testament a careful revision. He was 
occupied in this revision during the early part of 1838, 
and in a letter dated June 28th he says: "This work 
will employ all my time for a year to come. I am anx- 
ious to make a thorough revision of the Psalms and 
the Prophets, with the help of the latest exegetical 
works that I have been able to procure." 

With respect to other labors he says: "The usual 
worship has been conducted in the native chapel every 
evening, and in the forenoon of Lord's days. For a 
few months I attended evening meetings in different 
parts of the town, the native chapel being supplied by 
other members of the mission. But as the rainy season 
approached, and work also increased in the printing- 
office, I found it necessary to return to my old routine.'' 

For some time prior to the commencement of the 
year 1839 Mr. Judson suffered so severely from inflam- 
mation of the throat and lungs, that he was deprived 
of the use of his voice, and fears were entertained that 
his disease would lead to confirmed consumption. By 



316 Study -LIFE. 



the advice of his physician he determined to take a 
voyage to Calcutta. Leaving Maiilmain February 19th 
he arrived there on the 9th of the following month. 
This proved to him one of the most interesting seasons 
he ever spent away from his own station. Anxious 
however, to return to his field, he seized on the slightest 
evidence of amended health, and left Calcutta March 
31st. Before he reached Maulmain, the old soreness 
of the lungs and tendency to cough returned. He was 
thus evidently shown that it was almost exclusively 
by the pen that he might hope to be useful. When 
he arrived at home he spent most of his time as for- 
merly, in revision labors. He so far recovered his voice 
as to be able to conduct worship in the native chapel in 
October ; but his week-day toils for the several months 
preceding the close of the year were devoted to the re- 
vision of the Old Testament. Early in the month of 
February, 1840, Mr. Judson left Maulmain for a visit to 
Rangoon. He returned to his station by the close of 
the month. By diligent effort his labors in revising 
for the quarto edition of the Bible were finished Octo- 
ber 24:th, 1840. Having now completed his revision he 
made a renewed dedication of his version: "I com- 
mend the work, such as it is, to God, to the church in 
Burmah, and to my successors in this department of 
labor, begging them not to spare my errors, and yet 
not prematurely to correct a supposed error without 
consulting the various authors whom I have consulted, 
and ascertaining the reasons of my position ; and es- 
pecially not to adopt a plausible correction, in one in- 
stance, without inquiring whether it is admissible and 
advisable in all parallel and similar passages." 

Thus did God give our missionary to see the comple- 
tion of a work which even before he entered a mis- 



Study-life. 317 



sionarj field had appeared to him an achievement that 
in good part would prepare him to adopt the language 
of Simeon : " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant de- 
part in peace." For this work he had a peculiar prep- 
aration. He had been cast in every class of society, 
having stood in the palace of Burman kings, and lain 
down in the dungeon beside Burman thieves. At the 
time it was completed ho had been a diligent student 
of Burmese for more than a quarter of a century. The 
form of expressions in military and commercial life, the 
customs of the people, in short, every thing which was 
necessary to render his version intelligible was at his 
command. In a knowledge of Burmese literature he 
had no superior, and every foreign work which he be- 
lieved could enable him to elucidate a single verse of 
the sacred Scriptures was subject to most careful ex- 
amination. The emendations which his brethren sug- 
gested were received in kindness, and whenever they 
commended themselves to his judgment were incorpo- 
rated in his version. He was not a rash innovator, nor 
did he slavishly follow any guide. At the same time 
his integrity of character preserved him from the 
smallest perversion of Divine truth. 

With regard to the revision Mr. Judson thus ex- 
pressed himself in a letter to the Eev. Spencer H. 
Cone, D. D. : " The work was finished — that is, the re- 
vision and printing — on the 24tli October last, and a 
happy day of relief and joy it was to me. I have be- 
stowed more time and labor on the revision than on 
the first translation of the work, and more, perhaps, 
than is proportionate to the actual improvement made. 
Long and toilsome research among the biblical crit- 
ics and commentators, especially the German, was 
frequently requisite to satisfy my mind that my first 



318 Study-life. 



position was the right one. Considerable improvement, 
however, has been made, I trust, both in point of style 
and approximation to the real meaning of the original. 
But the heau ideal of translation, so far as it concerns 
the poetical and prophetical books of the Old Testa- 
ament, I profess not to have attained. If I live many 
years, of which I have no expectation, I shall have to 
bestow much more labor upon those books. With the 
New Testament I am rather better satisfied, and the 
testimony of those acquainted with the language is 
rather encouraging. At least, I hope that I have 
laid a good foundation for my successors to build 
upon." 

The completion of the revision and the printing of 
the Scriptures were not onl}^ acceptable to Mr. Judson 
as relieving him from his seclusion, but for the higher 
reason that translated Scriptures gave a completeness 
to the machinery of the mission. A translated Bible 
was very necessary to the efficiency of the continually 
increasing native agency, and had it been only on that 
account, the years spent in translating and revising 
would have received a sufficient recompense. 

To our translator the work was most of all satisfac- 
tory as it opened the prospect of giving the Bible to 
the people. He did not desire that missionaries should 
exercise the oracular dogmatism of Jesuits, nor did he 
fear that the ministry of the word would lose estima- 
tion in the view of men by placing the Scriptures of 
God in their hands. Some time previous to the corri- 
pletion of the revision of his translation he expressed 
liis views of Bible distribution as follows : 

" The Bible Cause in this country is now at a very low ebb. I once 
indulged the hope that I should live to see a complete copy of the 
whole Bible (bound in one volume, so as not to be liable to be scat- 



Study -LIFE. 319 



tered) deposited in every town and village througliout Burmah and 
Arracan. It is true that many thousand copies would be requisite, 
great expense would be incurred, and much persevering effort would 
have to be put forth. But the work being once accomplished, there 
would be seed sown throughout the country, that, with the blessing 
of God, would spring up in abundant fruit to his glory. From the 
habits of the people, who frequently assemble in large or small parties 
at the house of the priest, or schoolmaster, or principal person in the 
village, and listen to one reading from a religious book, it has appeared 
to me, that to deposit one Bible at the principal place of resort in 
every village was the least we could do for Burmah, and that such a 
plan would tend more effectually than any other to fill the country 
with the knowledge of Divine truth. 

"But the doors of Burmah proper are now closed against us. 

****:^#*** *« 

" Modern missions have been distinguished from the Roman Catho- 
lic, and, indeed, from all former missions since apostolic times, by 
honoring and sounding out the Word of God ; and I do believe that 
those missions which give the highest place to the Divine Word will be 
most owned of God, and blessed with the influence of the Holy Spirit. 
There is only one book in the world which has descended from heaven ; 
or, as I tell the Burmans, there is only one golden lamp which God 
has suspended from heaven to guide us thither. Shall we missionaries 
dare to throw a shade around it, or do aught to prevent the universal 
diffusion of its life-giving rays ? that one complete volume of the 
Bible, and not merely the New Testament (for the Word of God, 
though not such a book as human philosophy and logic would have 
devised, is, doubtless, in the eye of Infinite Wisdom, a perfect work, 
and just fitted to answer the great end which God has in view) — that 
one copy of the Burmese Bible were safely deposited in every village 
where the language is understood ! 

" Burmah is now shut against us, but it will not be so always ; and 
' where there is a will there is a way.' Arracan, with her two thou- 
sand villages, or more, is even now open for the reception and deposit 
of two or three thousand Bibles. I would not be understood to depre- 
ciate the preaching of the Gospel — the grand means instituted by 
Christ for the conversion of the world — but all our preaching must be 
based on the written Word ; and when the voice of the living preacher 
is passed away from the villnge, the inspired Word may still remain 
to convert and to edify. 

" I would say, therefore, that the preached Gospel and the written 
Word are the two arms which are to pull down the kingdom of dark- 
ness, and build up the Redeemer's Let us not cut off one of tlK^no 



320 Study-life. 



arms, for the other will by itself be comparatively powerless, as the 
history of the church in every age testifies." 

Perhaps a more admirable illustration of the argu- 
iiient and metaphor Mr. Judson used can not be found 
tlian in the case of the Ethiopian chamberlain, who, 
as he read the Old Testament Scriptures, felt that he 
needed " some man should guide him." Thus the 
two arms were prized, and made beneficial. Such 
are the results which may be expected to follow 
from an enlightening acquaintance with the Divine 
Word. One whom Mr. Judson numbered among his 
fi'iends^ has thus spoken concerning the distribution 
of the Bible : " There is no voice nor language uttered ; 
all is calm, retired, unheard by man, but all is pure, 
unalloyed truth ; all is unmixed revelation ; all is the 
dictate of the Holy Spirit ; all is the sincere milk of 
the word, and these interior instructions, so far from 
lessening the importance of the ministry of the Gospel, 
and the administration of the sacraments, elevate and 
give dignity and force to them." 

Some individuals would hesitate to give the promi- 
nence to Bible distribution which Mr. Judson did. 
JS'evertheless his statement of the value of Scriptures, 
when "the voice of the living preacher is passed 
away," is attested by the history of missions from the 
beginning. It is oftentimes the case that missionaries 
can not give continued instruction to the same persons 
for any length of time, and frequently with the most 
faithful oral exhibition of the truth 

" Thoughts flit and flutter through the mind, 
As o'er the waves the shifting wind ; 
Trackless and traceless is their flight. 
As falling stars of yesternight. 

* Bishop Wilson, of Calcutta. 



Study-life. 321 



Or the old tide-marks on the shore 
Which other tides have rippled o'er." 

But if in some cases preaching of itself fails to bring 
men to the knowledge of the truth, even as in primi- 
tive days, the Scriptures may still be proved " able" 
to make men " wise unto salvation through faith which 
is in Christ Jesus." 

In the execution of translations of the Scriptures, 
Mr. Judson believed it the duty of those engaged in 
them to endeavor to ascertain the exact meaning of the 
original, and to express that meaning as exactly as the 
nature of the language into which it is translated will 
admit. While he was engaged in revising his transla- 
tion on this principle, which he had followed from the 
beginning, an important controversy sprung up in Cal- 
cutta, which finally extended to both England and 
America. A translation of the JS'ew Testament into 
Bengali, by his friend Dr. Yates, was assailed by mis- 
sionaries of other denominations, because it contained 
translations of the original Greek words relating to 
baptism. In consequence of their representations to 
the British and Foreign Bible Society, the application 
for assistance in printing it was referred to the Calcutta 
auxiliary, " with authority to contribute toward the 
expense of an edition, should they be of opinion that 
it ought to be encouraged" by the Society. In conse- 
quence of the preponderating influence of those opposed 
to the denominational principles of the translator, the 
auxiliary refused to sanction his version. In this the 
parent society in London sustained them. Subse- 
quently the American Bible Society adopted a resolu- 
tion "that, in appropriating money for the translating, 
printing, or distributing of the Sacred Scriptures in 
foreign languages, the managers feel at liberty to en- 

14-^ 



322 Study-lifk. 



courage only such versions as conform in the jprincijjle 
of their translation to the common English version ; at 
least so far as that all the religious denominations rep- 
resented in this Society can consistently use and cir- 
culate said versions in their several schools and com- 
munities." The intention of this resolution was to 
prevent the translation of a Greek verb and its cog- 
nates in order tliat the l^ew Testament might teach 
nothing positive with respect to the external act in 
baptism. A literal interpretation of the resolution, it 
has been maintained and fairly proved, did not neces- 
sarily exclude a version from aid which contained 
translations of the words concerning which such ten- 
derness and obscurity was demanded. At the time 
the English version was made, " immersion" was gen- 
erally regarded as essential to the completeness of 
Christian baptism, in the church of the king by whose 
authority it was made, and was its usual custom. In 
rendering the term by a word signifying "immerse" 
in Burmese, the translator did not make the JSTew Tes- 
tament speak any plainer on baptism than it spoke to 
English Christendom three hundred years ago. The 
action of the American Bible Society was, however, 
meant to cut off support from all versions which did 
not transfer the Greek terms relating to baptism, so 
that a living teacher should be indispensable to eluci- 
date the duty of any who desired to obey the require- 
ment which Christ lays on those who Relieve. Mark 
xvi. 16. 

Mr. Judson was not blind to the excellences of the 
English version of the Scriptures. His final revision 
of his version of the New Testament, he himself stated, 
" accords more nearly with the received English" than 
did the former, and with it he was " better satisfied" 



Study-life. 323 



than he " ever expected to be." The words ^' baptize'' 
and " baptism" may be found as frequently and exclu- 
sively used in his journals as in the English 'New Tes- 
tament. But though this was the case, he was neither 
prepared to put Greek nor English words in a Burmese 
Bible. When he made his version, it was his object 
to leave the meaning of no term in obscurity. He 
did not wish the heathen to be dependent on the 
assertions of foreigners, but to be able to attach a defi- 
nite meaning to every word.^ The specific purpose 
of the American Bible Society was to withdraw aid 
from Mr. Judson's and all similar versions. In conse- 
quence of the course the managers of that institution 
pursued, the Baptists thought it necessary to found a 
society which should support translations made on the 
principles previously laid down by the Board of Mis- 
sions of the denomination — " That all the Missionaries 
of the Board who are or who shall be engaged in trans- 
lating the Scriptures, be instructed to endeavor, by 
earnest prayer and diligent study, to ascertain the pre- 
cise meaning of the original text ; to express that 
meaning as exactly as the nature of the languages into 
which they shall translate the Bible will permit, and 
to transfer no words which are capable of being liter- 
ally translated?'' This society is known as the Amer- 
ican and Foreign Bible Society. 

Shortly after receiving intelligence of the formation 
of the new society, Mr. Judson, in a letter to William 



'* The Rev. John Williams, better known now as the martyr of Erro- 
manga, stated on the platform of the British and Foreign Bible Society, 
that in his translation of the New Testament for the people in Poly- 
nesia, he had adopted a word from the Greek for baptism. " And what 
meaning," inquired another speaker, "will the natives attach to that 
word?" The reply was : " Whatever meaning you choose to assign it." 



324 S T U D Y - LI F E , 



Colgate, Esq., of New York, in which he gave some 
interesting information concerning the Burmese, Pe- 
guan, Bengali, Siamese, Karen, and Shyan versions, 
wrote as follows : " All the translators above men- 
tioned I know from personal acquaintance to be able, 
competent men, philologists, scholars ; candid, upright, 
conscientious searchers after truth ; men who would 
rather have their right hands cut off than knowingly 
pervert a single particle of the Word of God ; men 
who are worthy the entire confidence of the Christian 
public. And as we are all sworn to give in our trans- 
lations, to the best of our ability, the Word of God, 
the whole Word^ and nothing but the Word, in defiance 
of the lady of Babylon and all her progeny, there is 
no point in the whole visible creation to which we can 
look for support but the American and Foreign Bible 
Society. Here we stand ; we can not change our po- 
sition ; we must not desert our post ; God help us and 
you. In the preceding I have mentioned six transla- 
tions only ; but every year will doubtless bring a new 
one. We have the Paho, the Toungthoo, and the 
Kyen just at our door. And how many are at the 
doors of Bangkok and Sadiya, and on the way to 
China, and in great China itself, and in all Asia and 
unexplored Africa, and the islands of the sea — what 
pen is competent to set forth? The angel with the 
everlasting Gospel has already poised his wing and 
commenced his flight. May the prayers and the alms 
of the churches speed him on his glorious career 
through the wide world." In a letter to Dr. Cone, 
dated July 13th, 1836, Mr. Judson referred to several 
quotations in the first annual report of the American 
and Foreign Bible Society as expressive of his senti- 
ments. Among others was the following, from a letter 



Study-life. 325 



written by the Rev. John Howard Hinton, of London : 
''In the name of all that is honest and faithful toward 
God himself or his fellow-sinner, let every man who is 
employed in this work render every word into what he 
helieves to he its meaning. In what way else is any 
translator to clear his conscience? Or in what way 
else is any satisfactory approach to be made toward 
giving to the nations the 'lively oracles' of God? Let 
it only be supposed that a translator of the Word of God 
takes the recommendation given him by the committee, 
and ponders at every step whether the word he is em- 
ploying will 'be considered objectionable' by Chris- 
tians of other denominations — what must be the result 
of this ? It will introduce into his proceedings an ele- 
ment directly destructive of his fidelity. Instead of 
inquiring simply, 'What does the Scripture mean?' he 
will have to ask, ' What will my brethren like ?' In- 
stead of conforming his work to the mind of God, he 
will bend it to the views of his fellow-Christians." 

In writing again to Dr. Cone, a year and a half after- 
ward, he thus expressed himself: " I rejoice in the 
formation of the Bible Translation Society in England, 
and in the continued prosperity of the American and 
Foreign Bible Societ}^ I verily believe that it was by 
the special providence of God that the old Bible so- 
cieties were left to take the unjustifiable course they 
did, in order that the peculiar truths which distinguish 
the Baptist denomination might be brought forward 
in a manner unprecedented, and ultimately triumphant. 
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and 
knowledge of God !" 

In this paragraph Mr. Judson expressed himself 
strongly. As he was careful in forming his opinions, 
it is to be presumed that in a matter which had rele- 



326 S T U D Y - L I F E . 



vancy to his own employments for years, he did" not 
speak till he made proper inquiry. It has been said 
that his view of the course of the American Bible 
Society was formed on an imperfect knowledge of 
the facts. Every important document published in this 
country relating to the question was undoubtedly for- 
warded to Mr. Judson, and during the time the contro- 
versy was proceeding he was in frequent communica- 
tion with the missionaries at Calcutta. In the year 1839 
he visited that city, and had the opportunity of frequent 
conversations with Dr. Yates, whose Bengali transla- 
tion elicited the adverse action of the old Bible socie- 
ties. He was also in company with missionaries of 
other denominations. It can scarcely be thought that 
a man who had information from London, x^ew York, 
and Calcutta could be much behind others in the 
knowledge of the facts of this whole controversy. Dur- 
ing subsequent years it was quite possible for light to 
reach him, if in error. In the year 1845, when he 
visited his native country, he spent some time in com- 
pany with persons opposed to the formation of the 
American and Foreign Bible Society, who had full op- 
portunity to enlighten him ; but he took part in its 
anniversary services, and again indorsed its principles. 
During the period in which Mr. Judson was almost 
entirely confined to his revision, circumstances of 
great interest occurred in the mission. Accessions 
were made to the mission forces by the arrival of new 
missionaries, some of whom have proved remarkably 
useful. Messrs. Hancock, Brown, and Webb, with 
their wives, Mr. Simons, Miss Harrington, afterward 
Mrs. Simons, and Miss Cummings arrived in 1833. 
Another re-enforcement accompanied Mr. and Mrs. 
Wade on their return to the field in 1834. This com- 



Study-life. 327 



pany comprised Messrs. Howard, Yinton, Comstock, 
and Osgood, with their wives, and Miss Ann P. Gard- 
ner, subsequently married to Mr. Abbott, who joined 
the mission in 1836. In 1836 Mr. and Mrs. Haswell 
and Miss Macomber also reached Burmah. Some of 
these were called away by death, even in the period 
which this chapter embraces, and others were com- 
pelled by ill-health to return to the United States. The 
Burman missions also sustained loss by the transference 
of missionaries to other stations ; but so long as the 
general cause was promoted, our missionary rejoiced. 
In 1832 he cordially agreed to a proposal for Mr. Jones 
to proceed to Siam ; and in 1835, when it was proposed 
for Mr. Brown to remove to Assam, he wrote : " My 
heart leaps for joy, and swells with gratitude and praise 
to God, when I think of brother Jones at Bangkok, in 
the southern extremity of the continent, and brother 
Brown at Sadiya, in Assam, on the frontiers of China, 
immensely distant points, and of all the intervening 
stations, Ava, Hangoon, Kyouk Phyoo, Maulmain, and 
Tavoy, and the churches and schools which are spring- 
ing up in every station, and throughout the Karen 
wilderness. Happy lot to live in these days ! Oh, 
happy lot to be allowed to bear a part in the glorious 
work of bringing an apostate world to the feet of Je- 
sus. Glory, glory be to God." 

In the eight years, the records of which are em- 
braced in this chapter, the work of the Lord prospered. 
The baptisms at all the stations in 1832 were 143 ; in 
1833, 76 ; in 1834, 74 ; in 1835, 120 ; and in 1836, 358. 
In 1837 Mr. Judson only reported the baptisms at Maul- 
main, which were 91. After this time they were fewer, 
so that in 1838 he wrote: "The church is slowly in- 
creasing. About twelve a vear is the small allowance 



328 Study-lifp: 



which God grants us; and this I suppose must be 
taken as the measure of our scanty faith. Lord, in- 
crease our faith.'- 

In the conversions in these years were several cases 
of interest. Among those whom Mr. Judson baptized 
in 1835 was Koo-chil, a Mohammedan servant, who 
served Mr. and Mrs. Judson during the war, and by 
Ills faithfulness won their high regard. Our subject 
writes : " He came from Bengal with the first Mrs. 
Judson, on her return to this country in the year 1823, 
and since that time has been in the employ of some 
one of the mission families. Though a faithful, good 
servant, he persisted for years in rejecting all religious 
instruction, and maintained his allegiance to the false 
propliet. His wife, a Burmese woman, was baptized 
a year and a half ago, and that circumstance, probably, 
combined with all he saw and heard to bring his mind 
over to the Christian religion. But the process was 
slow, the struggle strong ; he felt deeply the responsi- 
bility of changing his religion, and when he made his 
formal request for baptism he trembled all over. 
Poor old man ! he is above sixty ; his cheeks are quite 
fallen in ; his long beard is quite gray ; he has proba- 
bly but a short time to live. May he prove to be a 
brand plucked out of the fire at the eleventh hour ! 
He afi'ectionately remembers his old mistress, and fre- 
quently sheds tears when speaking of the scenes of 
Ava and Amherst, where he saw her suflTer and die. 
I hope now that they will have the pleasure of meet- 
ing again, and of renewing the old acquaintance under 
happier auspices." 

In the company of the baptized in 1838 was the first 
Toungthoo. Tradition reports that the people known 
by this name introduced Boodhism. According to 



Study-life. 329 



Mr.Yinton : ''They sent an embassy and obtained the 
sacred books from the island of Ceylon. The Barman s 
hearing of this sent an embassy, requesting a copy, 
and on being refused, declared war against them, over- 
came them, and returned in triumph with their priests 
and books. So complete was the conquest of the Bur- 
mans, that the Toungthoos have never attempted to re- 
gain their independence. They have no written lan- 
guage of their own." In their habits they somewhat 
resemble the Karens, but are in some respects in ad- 
vance of that people. They are found chiefly to the 
northward of Maulmain. 

In 184:0, when the revision and printing of the Scrip- 
tures were almost completed, our translator received 
once more communications from the United States, re- 
questing him to revisit the land of his birth. Shortly 
after his great work was finished, he replied to this in- 
vitation : "I can not persuade myself that it is my 
duty to leave my work at present, but to wait and see 
whether I shall well sustain the next rainy season. If, 
notwithstanding continued care, I should experience 
a severe relapse, and my brethren should concur in 
the measure, I would avail myself of the invitation 
of the board as a last resort, and turn my face with a 
clear conscience and many delightful anticipations to 
my native land." 

When the lengthened and valuable character of the 
services Mr. Judson had rendered are considered, and 
the fact that when he received this invitation he had 
reached so felicitous a termination of his translation 
labors, while valuable coadjutors were in tlie field 
who could supply his place, with a knowledge of the 
ordinary yearnings of our nature we should judge 
that the invitation would not be declined. But he 



330 Study-life 



could truly say: "To me, to live is Christ." This 
principle had impelled him to years of monotonous 
and isolated toil, and on its completion, even as Christ 
pleased not himself, he determined to remain at his 
l)ost so long as he had the least hope of performing 
any service. 



AFFLICTIONS AND LABORS. 

' wJio now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fi11. up tliat "whicli is 
"behind of the aflSictions of Christ in my flesh for his hody's sake 
which is the church ; whereof I am made a minister." — Col. i. 24, 25. 

ANT one acquainted with Mr. Judson's course from 
the commencement of his labors in Burmah to the 
completion of his version of Scriptures will be ready 
to believe his afflictions were above measure, and his 
labors equal to, if not more abundant than those of 
any servant of Christ in the present century. From 
the piety which seems to have marked his career, man 
would conclude that affliction had accomplished its 
ministry ; but " the Lord seeth not as man seeth," and 
for several years he was called still to serve his gene- 
ration as an "example of suffering affliction and pa- 
tience," while his pursuits beautifully elucidated the 
Scripture, "always abounding in the work of the 
Lord." 

The great work of translation in which Mr. Judson 
had been engaged being completed, he gave the fol- 
lowing report of his subsequent toils, December 28, 
1840 : " Since finishing the revision of the Bible, I 
have resumed the charge of the native assistants, and 
turned my attention to the church, which has been 
sadly neglected for a long time. The assistants are 
employed in going about the town and neighboring 



332 Afflictions and Labors. 

villages, occupying zayats, and making known the 
Gospel to all who will give them a hearing. They 
meet me at the native chapel every morning, after 
breakfast, and report the labors of the preceding day, 
and pray for the Divine blessing on the day before 
them." 

On first secluding himself for his translation, Mr. Jud- 
6on hoped, if spared to complete his work, to spend the 
remainder of his days in preaching. When it was 
done, the aflfection of his throat and lungs, which had 
troubled him for many months, was still a cause of 
pain and disquietude. Though improved, his voice did 
not recover its natural strength and tone, and the least 
cold he contracted caused it to break down again. By 
this affliction God seemed to show his servant that if 
he promoted his work it must be by services similar to 
those of previous years. This intimation he vras slow 
to receive. To one who longed for the public labors of 
the zayat it was no small trial to contemplate a con- 
tinuance of the seclusion of the study. Early in 1841, 
however, in connection with such preaching and pas- 
toral labors as he found himself able to perform, and 
in compliance with the wishes of the board, our mis- 
sionary made some preparation toward a Burman dic- 
tionary. He still hoped that this work would not fall 
upon him, not only on account of his disinclination to 
the seclusion it demanded, but because its relation to 
the salvation of souls was so indirect. 

He had been permitted to make but little progress 
in this new undertaking when disease fell upon Mrs. 
Judson and three of the children. In these circum- 
stances, on the advice of his physician and the mem- 
bers of the mission, who believed a change indispens- 
able, he determined to take them to Bengal. They 



Afflictions and Labors. 333 

accordingly embarked June 26th, 1841. Four days 
after leaving their home the vessel struck on shoals, 
and for some minutes every heart was filled with the 
fear of shipwreck,- but, under the blessing of Provi- 
dence, by good seamanship she was got off and pursued 
her course. Owing, however, to the fact that the south- 
west monsoon was prevailing, the voyage proved tem- 
pestuous, and consequently very trying to invalids. 
They arrived before Calcutta July 11th. 

Mr. Judson determined to take a house at Seram- 
pore, that place being considered more healthy than 
Calcutta. He hoped that by spending a considerable 
time there, the health of all would be benefited ; but 
owing to variable weather little good was gained. 

In consequence, therefore, of the advice of physi- 
cians, he determined, if possible, to go to the Isle of 
France. He accordingly made several inquiries con- 
cerning vessels bound for Port Louis. At this junc- 
ture Captain Hamlin, of the ship Pamsay, with whom 
Mr. Judson had become acquainted some time pre- 
viously at Maulmain, called and tendered a passage 
for himself and family to the Isle of France and thence 
to their home, with the assurance that it should not 
cost more than a direct passage. This proposal was 
regarded as a "providential mercy," and accepted. 

While waiting the time appointed for the sailing of 
the Pamsay, and preparing for the voyage, a new afflic- 
tion fell on Mr. Judson and his wife. Their vouns^est 
child, Henry, was taken from them by death. In his 
correspondence Mr. Judson thus refers to this event, 
in a letter written in the beginning of August, 1841 : 
"His old complaint, which had never been effectually 
removed, came on with fearful violence, and he died 
in convulsions on the 30th ult. The agony of witness- 



334 Afflictions and Labors. 

ing the dying struggles of a beloved child and behold- 
ing the last imploring looks, unable to afford the 
smallest relief, none can know but a bereaved parent. 
Mrs. Judson and myself have frequently endured this 
fiery trial, and now, with bleeding hearts, we must turn 
away from the grave of dear Henry and pursue our 
melancholy way in hope that the life of the mother and 
the remaining children may yet be spared." 

Tlie sad offices of making preparation for the burial 
of their child were performed by the parents. A grave 
was found for him in the mission-ground at Seram- 
pore, rendered blessed to the churches of Christ by 
liaving within it the precious dust of Carey, Marsh- 
man, and Ward. The funeral services were conducted 
by the Rev. Mr. Mack, of the English Baptist Mission. 

Mr. Judson's hopes concerning the voyage he con- 
templated, and the state of his health, are unfolded in 
the letter which contained the news of the death of his 
child. "We expect to leave this in a few days, and 
liope to be in Maulmain by the end of October. And 
may God bless the double voyage before us, and the 
intervening residence of a few weeks at the Isle of 
France, to our recovery to health, that we may resume 
our work with renewed vigor, and devote the remnant 
of our spared lives to the service of Christ among the 
Burmans. My own health is pretty good,^except that 
my lungs have never recovered their natural soundness 
and strength, and I am obliged to use them with great 
care in public speaking. In common conversation I 
have not the smallest inconvenience, and this is a 
great mercy, considering the state to which I was 
once reduced. I never realized what a great privilege 
it is to be able to use the voice for Christ until I was 
deprived of it ; and now, when I would fain break out 



Afflictions and Laboes. 335 

as usual, the weakness of the flesh does not second the 
willingness of the spirit. I can still say, ' Well, it is a 
mercy undeserved to be able to go thus far ;' and one 
is more willing also to be disabled when there are 
others ready to carry on the work. I esteem it the 
crowning mercy of my life, that not only the chief ends 
I contemj^lated, on becoming a missionary, are attain- 
ed, but I am allowed to see competent, faithful, and 
affectionate successors actually engaged in the work. 
In their hands I am happy to leave it, or, rather, in 
the hands of Christ, who carried it on before we were 
born, and while we were in arms against him, and will 
carry it on more gloriously when we repose in the 
grave and in paradise. Glory be to Him alone." 

The Ramsay was got ready for sea August 16th, on 
which day our missionary and his wife, with their sur- 
viving children, went on board. On the voyage they 
knew considerable of the perils of the deep. At the 
same time the power of God was manifest in the con- 
version of souls. Although Mr. Judson counsels mis- 
sionary students not to be '• ravenous" to do good on 
board ship, yet, with a pious captain, and a number to 
whom he might be useful, it was not possible for him 
to cease his efforts to do good because he was at sea. 
His labors were honored of God in the conversion of 
souls. Several of the crew, it is believed, were brought 
to Christ, while there was a general improvement in 
manners. The voyage had a salutary effect on the 
health of Mrs. Judson and family. 

The Ramsay reached the Isle of France October 1st, 
1841. Again our missionary walked the same strand 
to which he was driven by the intolerance of the East 
India Company some twenty-nine years before. We 
can not suppose it possible that he should spend a 



336 Afflictions and Labors. 

month there without dwelling on the way in which 
God had led him. Personally he had known suffering 
and sorrow. Of the most poignant of these the death- 
prison at Ava and the hopia tree at Amherst could 
testify. He had known days of weariness in travel 
and study, of personal affliction, and domestic loneli- 
ness. But yet how much was there in the review of 
the intervening years to fill his soul with satisfaction. 
His " beloved Ann" exclaimed, in their previous so- 
journ there, '' Oh, when will our wanderings cease !" 
and it seemed probable that he would not be permitted 
to labor in the East. But now he could testif}" that a 
great door and effectual had been opened to him. 
When there before, his change in denominational sen- 
timents caused him to be in doubt of support. I*^ow, 
he could testify that a large denomination had felt the 
importance of missions, and was continually advancing 
in its disposition to aid the prosecution of his great 
work. A language to which thirty years before he 
was a stranger, had been subdued for the service of 
Christianity, and in his Burmese Bible he beheld a 
work which would speak for the eternal God till 
Boodhism shall lack both priests and worshipers. The 
Taling and Karen dialects had been reduced to writ- 
ing, and, having been consecrated by transcripts of 
the oracles of God, were assured of continuance to un- 
counted generations. The preaching of the Gospel 
had been in demonstration and power ; and tracts, 
fraught with immortal truths, had exerted a penetrat- 
ing and refining influence in cities which no Christian 
had ever seen, and wildernesses which, at the com- 
mencement of the century, no American had ever 
trod. Within thirty years a solitary couple composed 
the only church beyond the Ganges, and there was no 



Afflictions and Labors. 337 

reason to believe that any shared with them a good hope 
through grace of eternal life, l^ow, more than fifteen 
hundred persons were in church membership, and not 
a few had been called to the church in heaven. Il^ow, 
from his native land, about thirty laborers, male and 
female, were engaged in the great work of evangeliza- 
tion in the field in which he was their pioneer, while 
numerous native preachers were engaged in labors of 
love for their own countrymen. To translate the Bible 
into the tongue of a heathen people, and gather a 
church of a hundred members, had once been all that 
Mr. Judson hoped for, and sometimes more than his 
faith had grasped. Much more than this God had 
permitted him to accomplish. Wordsworth has said : 

" Man is dear to man ; the poorest poor 
Long for some moments in a weary life 
When thej"- can know and feel that they have been 
Themselves the fathers and the dealers out 
Of some small blessings — have been kind to such 
As needed kindness — for this single cause, 
That we have, all of us, one human heart." 

In this light the heart of the missionary, humble as 
he was in mind, most have known no small joy when 
he thought of what the Lord had done by him among 
the heathen. Well might he have exclaimed, " What 
hath God wrought!" 

The visit to the Isle of France proved beneficial to 
Mrs. Judson. All the children, with the exception of 
the eldest, Adoniram, improved greatly in health. 
Though serious apprehensions were* entertained with 
regard to him, Mr. Judson felt justified in prosecuting 
his voyage to Maulmain, hoping that a further trial of 
the sea might promote the well-being of all, as well as 
restore them to their home. They again set sail in the 
Eamsay, November 1st. They arrived at Maulmain 

15 



33S Afflictions and Labobs. 

on the 10th of the following month, and thongh the 
eldest son continued subject to relapses, jet all were 
greatly benefited by the voyage. 

The mind of Captain Hamlin, with whom this voy- 
age was made, had been for some time unsettled on 
the subject of infant baptism, and intercourse with Mr. 
Judson so far confirmed his suspicions of its unscrip- 
turalness, that on the first Lord's day after his arrival, 
he renounced the observance to which he had been 
subjected in his youth, and was " buried with Christ" 
in the Maulmain baptistery. He testified his respect 
for him by refusing to receive any compensation for the 
voyages Mr. Judson and his family had taken. If the 
good deeds of Christian men should, like those of the 
Mary who anointed the Saviour, have their " memo- 
rial," the munificence of this Scotch captain to the 
American missionary ought not to be forgotten. 

After his return to Maulmain, Mr. Judson endeav- 
ored to resume his pulpit duties, but early in 1842 the 
disease of his throat compelled him to discontinue 
public speaking. Happily, in a short time, he so far 
recovered as to be able to preach once on the Lord's 
day, and to conduct the evening worship in the week 
alternately with other missionaries. 

In Ma}^, 1842, Mr. Judson addressed himself to the 
task of compiling a Burman dictionary. For this, as 
we have seen, he made some preparation in the previ- 
ous year; but when writing to Boston, in July, 1843, 
he spoke of it as a work which he had resolved and 
re-resolved never to touch. " But," he added, '' it is 
not in man tliat walketh to direct his steps. The board 
and my brethren repeatedly urged me to prepare a 
dictionary, the one printed in 1826 being exceedingly 
imperfect; and as Bui-mah continued shut against our 



Afflictions and Labors. 339 

labors, and there were several missionaries in this 
place, I concluded that I could not do better than to 
comply." 

When the work was once commenced, the enthusiasm 
which marked him in all his pursuits was soon con- 
spicuous, as is seen by the following extract from the 
letter from which we have quoted above : " We are apt 
to magnify the importance of any undertaking in which 
we are warmly engaged. Perhaps it is from the influ- 
ence of that principle, that, notwithstanding my long- 
cherished aversion to the work, I have come to think 
it very important ; and that, having seen the accom- 
plishment of two objects on which I set my heart when 
I first came out to the East — the establishment of a 
church of converted natives, and the translation of the 
Bible into their language — I now beguile my daily toil 
with the prospect of compassing a third, which may be 
compared to a causeway, designed to facilitate the 
transmission of all knowledge, religious and scientific, 
from one people to the other." 

The plan on which he finally concluded to form this 
dictionary is thus described : ^'It was my first intention 
to make a single work, Burmese and English ; but as I 
proceeded, I discovered many reasons for constructing 
a double work, in two parts, the first English and Bur- 
mese, the second Burmese and English. I hope, by 
daily, uninterrupted labor, to have the whole ready for 
the press by the end of 1845. E"ot, indeed, that I count 
on living so long. Above thirty years spent in a trop- 
ical climate — to-day is the twenty-ninth anniversary of 
my arrival in Burmah — leaves but little ground to build 
future plans upon. But I feel it my duty to plod on, 
while daylight shall last, looking out for the night, and 
ready to bequeath both the plodding and the profit to 



340 Afflictions and Labors. 

any brother who shall be willing to carry on and com- 
plete the work, when I shall have obtained my dis- 
charge." 

In the engrossment of this work, as well in his trans- 
lation and revision, his life was necessarily barren of 
incident, and it w^as to show^ the reason of "apparent 
delinquencies" in the matter of communication to the 
board that he wrote the letter referred to above: "I 
never think," he writes, " without some uneasiness, of 
the infrequency of my communications to the board ; 
and if I had not an apology at hand, I should feel self- 
condemned. A person employed in direct missionary 
work among the natives, especially if his employ is 
somewhat itinerant, can easily make long and interest- 
ing journals. The first epithet, at least, may be ap- 
plied to some of my earlier communications. But it 
has been my lot, for many years past, to spend most of 
my time over the study table ; and my itinerating has 
scarcely extended beyond the limits of my morning 
walks and the precincts of the mission inclosure." 

The " daily, uninterrupted labor" of which Mr. Jud- 
son speaks was continued when affliction or other ne- 
cessary causes did not interfere through the year 1844. 
He was cheered during this period by the apparent 
growth of grace of the church at Maulmain, and by 
the triumphs of the Gospel in surrounding regions. 

In the commencement of the year 1845, aggravated 
symptoms of Mrs. Judson's former complaint appeared, 
and in April Mr. Judson was forced to believe that a 
voyage to a more northern climate was indispensable 
to her recovery. He thus wrote concerning her case to 
the Rev. Solomon Peck, Corresponding Secretary of 
the American Baptist Board: "The hand of God is 
heavy upon me. The complaint to which Mrs. Judson 



Afflictions and Laboes. 341 

is subject has become so violent, that it is the unani- 
mous opinion of all the medical men, and, indeed, of 
all our friends, that nothing but a voyage beyond the 
tropics can possibly protract her life beyond the period 
of a few weeks, but that such a voyage will, in all 
probability, insure her recovery. All medical skill 
has been exhausted. She has spent six weeks with our 
commissioner and his lady in a trip down the coast, 
touching at Tavoy and Mergui, and returned weaker 
and nearer the grave than when she set out. She is 
willing to die, and I hope I am willing to see her die, 
if it be the Divine will ; but though my wife, it is no 
more than truth to say that there is scarcely an indi- 
vidual foreigner now alive who speaks and writes the 
Burmese tongue so acceptably as she does ; and I feel 
that an effort ought to be made to save her life. I have 
long fought against the necessity of accompanying her ; 
but she is now go desperately weak, and almost help- 
less, that all say it would be nothing but savage inhu- 
manity to send her oft' alone." 

The voyage involved another trial, as it became 
necessary for definite plans to be formed concerning 
the children. Of these Mr. Judson thus speaks : " The 
three younger children — the youngest but three months 
and a half old — we must leave behind us, casting them, 
as it were, on the waters, in the hope of finding them 
after many days. The three elder, Abby Ann, Adoni- 
ram, and Elnathan, we take with us, to leave in their 
parents' native land. These reudings of parental ties 
are more severe, and wring out bitterer tears from the 
heart's core, than any can possibly conceive who have 
never felt the wrench. But I hope I can say with 
truth that I love Christ above all ; and I am striving, 
in the strength of my weak faith, to gird up my mind 



342 Afflictions and Labors. 

to face and welcome all his appointments. And I am 
much helped to bear these trials, by the advice and 
encouragement of all my dear brethren and sisters of 
the mission." 

"It is another great trial," he writes, "to leave my 
dear church and people. I never knew till now how 
much I loved them, and how much they loved me. 

' And 'tis to love, our ferewells owe 
All their emphasis of woe.' 

" But I leave them in the hands of my dear brethren, 
and there are no persons in the world to whom I should 
be so willing to commit so dear a charge." 

Most men, under the circumstances, w^ould have 
been prepared to abandon their work for the time ; but 
our missionar}^, in the exercise of all possible fore- 
thought, endeavored to provide for its continuance. 
The following exhibits his feelings and plans concern- 
ing it wliile on the voyage and in his native land : 

" Another great trial, not so much as it regards 
feeling as it regards the anticipated result of long-pro- 
tracted labor, is the interruption which the heavy work 
of the Burmese dictionary, in which I have been en- 
gaged for two or three 3'ears, must sustain ; and such 
is the state of my manuscripts, that if I should die be- 
fore this work is completed, or at least carried forward 
to a much more advanced stage, all my previous labor 
would be nearly or quite lost. But I am endeavoring 
to obviate this difficulty in some degree, by taking 
with me my two assistants in that department, whose 
hearts God has graciously inclined to leave their fami- 
lies and accompany me. They are both Christians — 
the one a settled character, a convert of long standing, 
formerly a government writer in Kangoon ; the other 



Afflictions and Labors. 343 



a nepliew of the late premier of the court of Ava, a 
person of noble extraction, and though not a tried 
Christian, I hope a sincere one. And it is mj purpose 
to devote some hours every day, whether on the sea or 
land, to the work mentioned. I shall be induced to 
persevere in this purpose while in America, from the 
fact that I am unable to travel about the country as 
an agent, and preach in the English language. The 
course that I have uniformly pursued, ever since I 
became a missionary, has been rather peculiar. In or- 
der to become an acceptable and eloquent preacher in 
a foreign language, I deliberately abjured my own. 
When I crossed the river, I burned my ships. For 
thirty-two years I have scarcely entered an English 
pulpit, or made a sj)eech in that language. Whether 
I have pursued the wisest course, I will not contend ; 
and how far I have attained the object aimed at, I must 
leave for others to say. But whether right or wrong, 
the course I have taken can not be retraced. The 
burned ships can not now be reconstructed. From 
long desuetude, I can scarcely put three sentences 
together in the English language.^ I must therefore 
beg the board to allow me a quiet corner, where I can 
pursue my work with my assistants, undisturbed and 
unknown. 

'' This request I am induced to urge from the further 
consideration, that my voice, though greatly recov- 
ered from the affection of the lungs, which laid me 
aside from preaching nearly a year, is still so weak 
that it can only fill a small room ; and whenever I at- 
tempt to raise it above the conversational tone, tlie 



* Of course the reader will understand this to apply to oral ad- 
dresses. 



344 Afflictions and Labors. 

weak place gives way, and I am quite broken down 
again for several weeks. I hope, therefore, that no 
one will try to persuade me to be guilty of such im- 
prudence while in America ; but since there are thou- 
sands of preachers in English, and only five or six 
Burmese preachers in the whole world, I may be al- 
lowed to hoard up the remnant of my breath and lungs 
for the country where they are most needed." 

Mr. and Mrs. Judson embarked from Amherst, April 
26th, in the ship Paragon, bound for London, taking 
Avith them the children and native assistants, as pre- 
viously proposed. In a letter to the Rev. Dr. Bab- 
cock, which is headed as follows, " On board the Par- 
agon, bound to London, ofi" Amherst, April 27, 1845," 
he writes : "I am ready to say, ' Wo is me ! that I 
should ever date a letter after this fashion.' But Mrs. 
Judson is at the point of death, of a complaint which, 
unless it has advanced too far, within the last fort- 
night, is curable only by a voyage to a congenial 
clime. I intended at first to let her go alone, but she 
became so weak and helpless, that it was thought nec- 
essary by all the brethren and friends that I should 
accompany her." Thus deeply and painfully was he 
impressed by the thought of leaving his station. 

During the first month his time was much occupied 
in taking care of Mrs. Judson ; but having his assist- 
ants with him, he endeavored to pursue his lexico- 
graphical labors. After they had been at sea some six 
weeks, Mrs. Judson's health appeared so greatly im- 
proved that both herself and husband entertained san- 
guine hopes of her speedy recovery. These hopes each 
day confirmed. After crossing the line, the ship sprung 
a leak, which caused the captain to resolve to put into 
the Isle of France. The decided convalescence of Mrs. 



Afflictions and Laboks. 345 

Judson caused them to regard this as providential, as 
it seemed no longer necessary for Mr. Judson to ac- 
company her, and afforded an opportunity for him to 
return to Maulmain. To both the separation was 
painful, but they recognized the truth an apostle has 
taught : '^ The time is short ; it remaineth that both they 
that have wives be as though they had none," and be- 
lieved it " clearly" a " duty" to make the sacrifice. 
After the resolution was made to adopt this course, 
while they were yet at sea, Mrs. Judson penned the 
following lines. " It will be seen they are addressed to 
her husband ; they proved the last she was permitted 
to write : 

We part on this green islet, love — 

Thou for the eastern main/ 
I for the setting sun, love, 

, when to meet again ! 

My heart is sad for thee, love. 

For lone thy way will be ; 
And oft thy tears will fall, love, 

For thy children and for me. 

The music of thy daughter's voice 

Thou'lt miss for many a year, 
And the merry shout of thine elder boys 

Thou'lt list in vain to hear. 

When we knelt to see our Henry die, 

And heard his last, faint moan, 
Each wiped the tear from other's eye : 

Now each must weep alone. 

My tears fall fast for thee, love : 

How can I say farewell ! 
But go ; thy God be with thee, love. 

Thy heart's deep grief to quell. 

Yet my spirit clings to thine, love; 
Thy soul remains with me, 

15* 



346 Afflictions and Labors. 

And oft we'll hold communion sweet, 
O'er the dark and distant sea. 

And who can paint our mutual joy, 

When, all our wanderings o'er. 
We both shall clasp our infants three, 

At home, on Burmah's shore ! 

But higher shall our raptures glow, 

On yon celestial plain, 
When the lov'd and parted here below 

Meet, ne'er to part again. 

Then gird thine armor on, love, • 

Nor faint thou by the way, 
'Till Boodh shall fall, and Burmah's sons 

Shall own Messiah's sway. 

After the Paragon reached Port Louis, the mission- 
ary and his wife prepared to separate. A vessel was 
found bound for Mauhnain, in which Mr. Judson sent 
back his assistants, proposing to follow after Mrs. 
Judson should re-embark. While waiting for the 
Paragon to repair, an opportunity offered for her to 
take passage in the Sophia Walker, bound for Boston. 
This presented considerable advantages over the other 
ship, as it promised a shorter voyage, and with less 
inconvenience, especially to a lady and an invalid, 
than the change of vessels which must necessarily have 
been made in London. It was, therefore, gladly ac- 
cepted, and afforded additional encouragement for 
Mr. Judson's return to Maulmain. 

The missionary and his wife were, however, only to 
be separated by the hand of death. Shortly before 
the time appointed for her embarkation she experi- 
enced a relapse, which so greatly reduced her that her 
husband was satisfied that no course remained but for 
him to accompany her. She was carried on board 



Afflictions and Labors. 347 

ship, and they finally sailed July 25tli. After some 
time favorable indications appeared, but they proved 
illusory. The details relating to her last days are thus 
given by Mr. Judson : " On our passage homeward, 
as the strength of Mrs. Judson gradually declined, I 
expected to be under the painful necessity of burying 
her in the sea. But it was so ordered by divine 
Providence, that, when the indications of approaching 
death had become strongly marked, the ship came to 
anchor in the port of St. Helena. For three days she 
continued to sink rapidly, though her bodily sufferings 
were not very severe. Her mind became liable to 
wander, but a single word was sufficient to recall and 
steady her recollection. On the evening of the 31st 
of August she appeared to be drawing near to the end 
of her pilgrimage. The children took leave of her 
and retired to rest. I sat alone by the side of her bed 
during the hours of the night, endeavoring to admin- 
ister relief to the distressed body, and consolation to 
the departing soul. At two o'clock in the morning, 
wishing to obtain one more token of recognition, I 
roused her attention, and said, 'Do you still love the 
Saviour V ' Oh, yes,' she replied, ' I ever love the 
Lord Jesus Christ.' I said again, ' Do you still love 
me?' She replied in the affirmative, by a peculiar 
expression of her own. ^Then give me one more 
kiss ;' and we exchanged that token of love for the 
last time. Another hour passed, life continued to re- 
cede, and she ceased to breathe. For a moment I 
traced her upward flight, and thought of the wonders 
which were opening to her view. I then closed her 
sightless eyes, dressed her, for the last time, in the 
drapery of death, and being quite exhausted with 
many sleepless nights, I threw myself down and slept. 



348 Afflictions and Labors. 

» 

On awaking in the morning, I saw the children stand- 
ing and weeping around the body of their dear mother, 
then, for the first time, inattentive to their cries." 

Thus was our missionary a second time a widower. 
In a biographical sketch which he afterward wrote, 
lie presents, as reasons for bearing testimony to her 
various attainments, labors, and worth, " the fact that 
her own unobtrusive and retiring disposition always 
led her to seek the shade, as well as from the fact that 
she was often brought into comparison with one whose 
life and character were uncommonly interesting and 
brilliant. The memoir of his first beloved wife has 
been long before the public. It is, therefore, most 
gratifying to his feelings to be able to say, in truth, 
that the subject of this notice was, in every point of 
natural and moral excellence, the worthy successor of 
Ann H. Judson. He constantly thanks God that he 
has been blessed with two of the best of wives ; he 
deeply feels that he has not improved these rich bless- 
ings as he ought, and it is most painful to reflect that, 
from the peculiar pressure of the missionary life, he 
has sometimes failed to treat those dear beings with 
that consideration, attention, and kindness which 
their situation in a foreign heathen land ever de- 
manded." 

In choosing a wife, her first husband, Mr. Board- 
man, said he sought "for piety, for talents, for a cul- 
tivated mind, for a gentle and aff'ectionate heart." 
The testimony given by the second shows that these 
excellences were possessed by her to a remarkable 
degree. 

As stated in Mr. Jud son's account of her last . 
hours, she died in the harbor of St. Helena. With 
the morning light all the shipping showed their 



Afflictions and Laboes. 349 

colors at half-mast ; and intelligence having been com- 
municated to the Eev. Mr. Bertram, he promptly 
went on board to visit the bereaved husband. He 
gives the following record : " With a heart full of 
painful sympathy I hastened to the vessel. As the 
boat in which I was neared the floating house of 
death, I perceived several of the crew approaching the 
gangway. Deep sorrow was depicted on their coun- 
tenances. The captain received me with a welcome, 
and, after a few touching hints, conducted me to the 
cabin, where I was for the first time introduced to Mr. 
Judson. He held out his hand, but for a moment his 
heart was too full for articulation. He looked pale 
and careworn. The bitter tears flowed down his 
cheeks in rapid succession, moistening his lips, as if 
seeking to find their way back again into the heart of 
sorrow from whence they flowed. Such a touching 
scene I never witnessed before. With him stood his 
three small children, weeping and refusing to be com- 
forted, because she whom they so dearly loved was 
not. Dr. Judson 30on regained his self-possession. 
He spoke to his afflicted children in the sweetest man- 
ner, and in the most consoling language a Christian 
father's lips could utter, and then turning to me, he 
said, ' Oh, sir, she died in the Lord, so peacefully. I 
asked her, but a little before she died, if she loved the 
Saviour, and could trust her soul into his hands. She 
answered, "Yes, O yes." Come, Mr. Bertram ; will 
you look at my love ? she is just like herself, lovely 
even in death.' He led the way into the state room, 
where lay the cold remains in which once dwelt the 
soul of her who had given and devoted to the Saviour's 
cause her life, her all. Pleasant she was, indeed, even 
in death. A sweet smile of love seemed to rest on her 



350 Afflictions and Labors. 

countenance, as if heavenly grace had shaped it there. 
Mr. Judson stood at her head, and the children around 
her, weeping and sobbing. He kissed her cold fore- 
head again and again, embalming it with tears. After 
a few moments he said, ' My love suffered much be- 
fore she died, but never murmured. Her sufferings 
are over. Yes, she is now in heaven. I did all for 
lier myself — dressed and laid her out myself. This 
was her own request. To me it was a painful duty, 
but God sustained me.' " 

A coffin having been obtained from the shore, and 
necessar}^ arrangements made, the funeral took place 
in the afternoon. Preliminary services having been 
conducted on the deck by Mr. Bertram, he writes : 

"We again visited the solemn state room to take a 
last look of the departed wife and missionary. The 
bereaved husband and weeping children fastened their 
eyes upon the loved remains, as if they could have 
looked for ever. Weeping, kiss after kiss was im- 
printed on the cold forehead. The last look was taken, 
the last kiss imparted, and then all was hid from mor- 
tal vision until the morning of the resurrection. The 
coffin was removed to the boat which was to convey 
it on shore. Other boats were connected with this, 
so arranged as to form a funeral procession — three 
going ahead, towing the one which contained the 
corpse, and moving forward with the heavy beatings 
of their oars, and another followed, in which were 
Mr. Judson and the three children, with the captain 
of the ship and myself as chief mourners. Our Chris- 
tian brethren and sisters were in a goodly number, 
with Mr. Carrol, the American Consul, and his family, 
and some other of his friends, already waiting on the 
shore to join the funeral procession. The body was 



i 



Afflictions and Laboks. 351 

then transferred from the boat to the bier, which was 
carried by a number of seamen. The pall-bearers we 
selected from among onr Christian sisters. They were 
four in number and chief women, viz., Mrs. Captain 
O'Connor, of the East India Company ; Mrs. Janisch, 
widow of the late Dutch Consul ; Mrs. Torbett, of 
JSTapoleon's tomb ; Mrs. Carrol, American Consul's 
lady. Dr. Judson and myself walked first, leading 
one of the children ; the captain next came, leading 
the other two ; the American Consul followed, with 
his friends ; then our Christian brethren and sisters, 
two and two ; the whole numbering about one hun- 
dred persons. It is nearly half a mile from the land- 
ing to the burial-ground, the way to which lies 
through the town. The inhabitants paid their respects 
by closing their shops. The street was considerably 
lined on either side with spectators, who all appeared 
to manifest a mournful sympathy with Mr. Judson 
and the dear children. 

" On arriving at the grave, the Episcopal clergyman 
read the Burial Service of the Church of England. 
The body was then submitted to its mother dust. Our 
Christian brethren stood around the grave, and sung 
a solemn hymn, selected for the occasion. During 
this service, as Mr. ' Judson stood supported by my 
arm, I felt his animal frame frequently ready to give 
way, particularly toward the last, when the coffin was 
about to be lowered into the grave. I could see him 
heaving his heart to God for power from on high to 
strengthen him. God heard his prayer and held 
him up.'' 

The remains of Mrs. Judson were laid "in one of 
the choicest spots of the burying-ground ; a banyan 
tree spreading its branches over it, as if to guard 



352 Afflictions and Labors. 

the precious treasure which lay interred beneath its 
shades." 

In speaking of this place of sepulcher Mr. Judson re- 
marked : '' They had prepared the grave in a beautiful, 
shady spot, contiguous to the grave of Mrs. Chater, a 
missionary from Ceylon, who had died in similar cir- 
cumstances on her passage home. There I saw her 
safely deposited, and in the language of prayer, which 
we had often presented together at the throne of grace, 
I blessed God that her body had attained the repose 
of the grave, and her spirit the repose of paradise." 

It is worthy of note also, that the lady beside whose 
grave Mrs. Judson was laid was the wife of the mis- 
sionary who first labored in Rangoon. Thus consorts 
of the first English and first American missionaries to 
Burmah sleep beside each other. 

The Christian residents of St. Helena manifested 
their sympathy in very commendable form with respect 
to the funeral. After the interment they assembled and 
ofiered earnest prayer on behalf of the missionary, 
and when in the evening the intelligence was received 
that the Sophia Walker was again ready for sea, " they 
accompanied him to the ship, sorrowing," Mr. Bertram 
says, " with double sorrow that we should see his face 
no more." 

Immediately that Mr. Judson reached the ship she 
weighed anchor, and " on the following morning no 
vestige of the island was discernible in the distant ho- 
rizon." 

The grief which filled the heart of the missionary, 
and the consolation which sustained him as he pur- 
sued his way, his own words best describe: "For a 
few days, in the solitude of my cabin, with my poor 
children crying around me, I could not help abandon- 



Afflictions and Labors. 353 

ing myself to heart-breaking sorrow. But the prom- 
ises of the Gospel came to my aid, and faith stretched 
her view to the bright world of eternal life, and anti- 
cipated a happy meeting with those beloved beings 
whose bodies are mouldering at Amherst and St. Hel- 
ena." 

Six weeks after leaving St. Helena, he approached 
the coast of I^ew England. More than thirty-three 
years had passed since last he gazed upon it. With 
the chief events of his history in the interval the 
reader is acquainted. 



THE FUKLOTGH. 

"And they glorified God in me." — Gal i. 24. 

ME. JUDSON landed in Boston on Wednesday, Oc- 
tober loth, 1845. The news of his arrival awak- 
ened an unwonted interest. So steadfastly had he re- 
fused all invitations to return, that his friends had long 
before relinquished all hope of seeing him. When, 
therefore, it was known that he had really reached his 
native land, a thrill of joy was produced by the intel- 
ligence. This was not confined to the denomination 
with which he was identified ; but in it members of 
every religious community participated, and even those 
who took no interest in the cause of missions were 
anxious to behold the Apostle of the Burmese. 

The nams of Judson was familiar to the Christian 
world. So precious was it esteemed, that not a few had 
rejoiced to enroll it in the registers of their families ; 
and though parental afi'ection hoped his namesakes 
might be exempt from like trials, to have them bear 
a like character was the grand desire their prayers 
expressed. With many, when supplications were 
presented for missionaries, whether in the great con- 
gregation or in private, though it was unuttered, his 
name was never unthought of Bards had delighted 
to inweave it in their verse. Men, who had founded 



The Furlough. 355 

seminaries of learning, had sought to connect his name 
with their institutions, and Christian young men had 
rejoiced to have their societies bear an appellation 
which was synonymous in their minds with the highest 
excellence in missionary character. Yet, though re- 
spect had been paid to his name in every conceivable 
way, he was unknown by face to the churches in Amer- 
ica, and even to the board under whose direction he 
had acted. Of the individuals who knew him in his 
youth but few remained, and with the exception of the 
Kev. Dr. Malcom, who had visited him in his Burman 
home, and a few others whom ill health had compelled 
to relinquish missionary life, he might have passed 
those who most admired him unrecognized. 

'No sooner did those who had been familiar with 
the events of his career hear of his arrival, than the 
gratification of beholding him was eagerly sought. 
The first occasion which was presented fo*r large num- 
bers to see the face of the missionary and manifest 
tlieir interest in him occurred two days after his arrival. 
On the evening of that day his friends, though only 
verbally notified, crowded the large church in Bowdoin 
Square, Boston, all eager to behold the form and coun- 
tenance of the veteran warrior returned from the field 
of his conflicts. A psalm appropriate to the occasion 
having been read by the Rev. Solomon Peck, and the 
prayers and thanksgivings of the disciples led by the 
Rev. Dr. [N'eale, the Rev. Dr. Sharp addressed Mr. 
Judson, expressing the deep interest and sympathy felt 
by the churches concerning him. 

"There are some feelings," said Dr. Sharp, "which 
are too sacred for public utterance. There are senti- 
ments of respect and regard which, when whispered 
to the ear, or spoken in the privacy of confidential 



356 The Furlough. 



intercourse, are pleasant and refreshing as the breath 
of spring, but which lose their fragrance in the atmo- 
sphere of a public assembly. Were I to express my 
own feelings toward yourself — my admiration, my con- 
fidence, my gratitude, my regard — I should say many 
things that in this assembly would seem out of place. 
I may, however, without violating Christian propriety, 
speak in hehalf of the public in the presence of the 
public. 

" I may say, without the semblance of flattery or 
adulation, the denomination have cherished a deep, 
and affectionate, and grateful interest in your labors. 
They have wondered at your steady and unfaltering 
perseverance ; they have admired your disinterested 
and self-denying course ; and they have tenderly sym- 
pathized with you, and prayed for you, when they 
heard of your personal sufferings, your imprisonment, 
and loss of personal liberty, and when they have heard 
of those greater losses, to which, in the death of loved 
and cherished ones, you have been subjected. And 
they have rejoiced with you, not, indeed, that all your 
work was done, but that a glorious work was done, 
when, in humble prostration before the beneficent 
Author of revelation, you devoutly thanked him that 
you had completed the translation of the Holy Scrip- 
tures in the Burman language. That was a memorable 
day, not only in the history of your own life, but in 
the history of missions. 

"We can only pray, dear brother, that, after a still 
more extended and critical knowledge of the Burman 
language, the result of patient and laborious study and 
research, your life may be prolonged to revise and 
amend your translation of those soul-sanctifying and 
Boul-comforting truths which tell with wondrous power 



The Furlough. 357 

in any language in which a version of them is given. 
Your prosecution of that other great work, to which 
your mind, and pen, and days are given — a Burman 
dictionary — at the completion of which you may well 
rest from your labors, will aid you greatly in giving 
your last correcting touch to the Burman Scriptures. 
Our prayer will be, in submission to God's will, that 
you may live until you have sent out to the world the 
volumes w^hich will not only shed their radiant light 
on the Scriptures, but will quicken and elevate the 
common mind of India. 

" And now, dear brother, withdrawn as you have 
been, by an afflictive dispensation of Providence, from 
your chosen and loved labors, allow me to say, in be- 
half of your ministering brethren, and other brethren 
and friends. We welcome you to your native land ; we 
welcome you to the scenes of your early and manly 
youth ; we welcome you to our worshiping assem- 
blies ; we welcome you to our hearts. As the repre- 
sentative of the ministers and private Christians pres- 
ent, I give to you this hand of cordial welcome, of 
sympathy, of approbation, and of love ; and I believe, 
could all our denomination be collected in one vast 
assembly, they would request and empower some one 
to perform this service for them ; or, rather, each one 
would prefer to give this significant token of love, and 
respect, and good wishes for himself. Were it possi- 
ble, and could your strength hold out, and your hand 
bear the grasp and the cordial shake of so many, I 
could wish that every one who loves the Bible and 
missions might be his own representative, and give to 
you, as I do, the hand of an honest, unchanging, and 
cordial good-will." 

After some further remarks from Dr. Sharp to the 



358 The Furlough. 

congregation, Mr. Judson rose before the audience ; 
the affection of his throat rendering him incapable of 
being heard, the Rev. Dr. Hague appeared beside him 
to repeat his remarks to the audience ; they were as 
follows, as reported in the Christian Reflector : 

"Through the mercy of God I am permitted to stand 
before you here, this evening, a pensioner of your 
bounty. I desire to thank you for all your sympathy 
and aid, and I pray God's blessing to rest upon you. 
•X- * * * j^i ^]^^|. i^g^g i3een done in Burmah 

has been done by the churches, through the feeble 
and unworthy instrumentality of myself and my 
brethren. - * * * It is one of the se- 
verest trials of my life not to be able to lift up my 
voice, and give free utterance to my feelings before 
this congregation ; but repeated trials have assured 
me that I can not safely attempt it. And I am much 
influenced by the circumstance that it was a request 
of my wife, in her dying hour, that I would not address 
public meetings on my arrival. ^ * ^ I will 
only add, that I beg your prayers for the brethren I 
have left in Burmah — for the feeble churches we have 
planted there, and that the good work of God's grace 
may go on until the world shall be filled with his 
glory." 

On the conclusion of these remarks, Mr. Hague con- 
tinued in an address on. the events connected with the 
history of the missions. While he was speaking, " an 
incident of remarkable character heightened the effect 
of the scene. A stranger urged his way up the aisle, 
and, ascending the pulpit, was warmly embraced by 
Mr. Judson. Who could it be ? What familiar friend 
had the veteran missionary found in this land of stran- 
gers ? It was the Rev. Samuel ISTott, jr., one of the 



The FuELorGH. 359 

devoted band of young men with whom Mr. Judson 
had been associated in his missionary consecration. 
Returned from the foreign field, and now pastor of a 
Consrreorational church in Wareham, Massachusetts, 
he had heard of Mr. Judson's arrival, and had hastened 
to Boston to welcome him to his native land, and to 
kindle anew the unextinguished love of years long 
gone by." After a touching address from Mr. I^ott, 
followed bv a few remarks from the Eev. Mr. BinMiam 
of the Sandwich Islands, the Bev. ]^athaniel Colver 
offered prayer, and the assembly was dismissed. Many, 
however, pressed forward, anxious to grasp the hand 
of the missionary, and personally to express to him 
their joy. 

The reception given in Boston was a " fair example 
of what awaited him in other places ; it was but the 
first touch of a sympathetic cord whose vibrations 
were felt throughout the whole country." Although 
it was his earnest wish to avoid public assemblies, and, 
in consideration of the importance of repose to him 
personally, it was the desire of the board that his wishes 
should be met ; it was, however, found impossible. 
Throughout the Union there was a desire expressed to 
see him, which was so earnest that there seemed no 
other course open than for him to visit some, at least, 
of the chief cities. The Christians of 'New York, Prov- 
idence, Albany, Utica, Philadelphia, Washington, Bal- 
timore, Richmond, and other places, were therefore fa- 
vored to behold him. It has been well said that " his 
journey was a triumphal march." The floodgates of 
many hearts which would have been drawn years be- 
fore, had opportunity occurred, could no longer be 
kept down, and it would have indicated a self-com- 
mand by no means enviable if the treasured emotions 



360 The Furlough. 

of years had still been repressed. It was meet that 
the ambassador of the Cross, whose zeal and heroism 
had been so resplendently conspicuous for a whole 
generation, should know, in returning to his native 
land, that he was highly esteemed in love for his 
w^orks' sake. 

A few days after his arrival he repaired to some ot 
the spots associated with his early days. One of the 
first of these was Salem, where he was ordained, and 
from whence he sailed when he left his native land. 
Once there, of course he directed his way to the ven- 
erable ' Tabernacle.' Though remodeled, the old pew, 
in which he had been seated with his associates so 
many years before, still remains. It is no wonder that 
as the memories of the past sprang up vividly in his 
mind that we should have to record that he wept aloud. 

From Salem Mr. Judson went to Bradford, a favor- 
ite town on account of its being the scene of the mem- 
orable associational meeting of 1810, and more espe- 
cially because it was the residence, previous to mar- 
riage, of his first beloved wife. In this once familiar 
spot he was made the more sensible of the losses of 
preceding years. His case was no exception to the 
idea a poet has expressed : 

*♦ When those who so long have been absent return 
To the scenes of their childhood, it is but to mourn; 
Wounds opened afresh, that time nearly had healed, 
And the ills of a life at once glance are revealed." 

The only near relation who remained to Mr. Judson 
was his sister. Every place he visited witnessed of 
death and change. Of the places familiar to his youth, 
Plymouth bore externally the least evidence of trans- 
formation. Here, some time after his arrival, as he 



The Furlough. 361 

took his station at a favorite window, in the house 
where he spent his childhood, and looked toward the 
harbor and light-house, he exclaimed: "This is the 
most natural scene I have looked on in all America." 

In l^ovember, 1845, he visited Providence, a place 
endeared to him as the seat of the institution from 
which he graduated. Here he spent a Lord's day. 
At a united missionary meeting, held in the evening, he 
addressed a few remarks to the congregation through 
the Eev. Dr. Caswell. In the conclusion of his address 
on this occasion he is reported to have said that, " the 
greatest favor he could ask of his Christian friends 
was, to permit him to return as soon as possible to his 
home on the banks of the Salwen ; those banks from 
which he had led so many happy converts into the 
baptismal waters ; those banks which had so often re- 
sounded with the notes of a baptismal song, composed 
by her whom he had so lately lost, who had now left 
her task of making hymns on earth for the higher and 
better one of singing with angels and ransomed spirits 
that ' new song of Moses and the Lamb.' " 

On the day following, accompanied by the president, 
the Rev. Dr. Wayland, he visited Brown University, 
on which occasion the students generally were intro- 
duced to him. Special meetings were held of the 
Philermenian Society, of which he had been a mem- 
ber when an undergraduate, and also of the Society for 
Missionary Inquiry. His interview with the latter so- 
ciety is thus described : 

"On the table before him lay the 'Holy Bible in 
Burmese.' He held in his hands the book containing 
the constitution and the names of members, some of 
whom are now in the missionary field. He examined 
it for a moment, and then in a low voice, but with a 

16 



362 The Fuklough. 



most impressive manner, expressed himself in language 
very nearly as follows : 

" ' My dear young Brethren : There is one, and only 
one, right path for every man — for each one of you to 
follow, in order to insure the full approbation of God, 
and the greatest success in your efforts to do good and 
glorify him. Seek that one path. There may, indeed, 
be some other path, not very far from the right one, 
in which you can accomplish something for the cause 
of truth ; but nowhere can you do so much as in that 
one. Do not, my brethren, content yourselves with 
any thing short of finding the one path marked out for 
you by the will of Heaven ; and when you have found 
it, walk in it, straight forv;ard, and let nothing turn 
you aside. 

" 'But to find that path : that is the question, and 
one not to be settled without diligent inquiry. To de- 
termine this point in your own case, in the first place, 
try all your schemes by the unerring Word of God. 
Reject, at once, whatever has not a firm basis there. 
Let this blessed Word be to you the golden lamp of 
heaven, hung out to guide you into and along the path- 
way of duty, and do not for a moment turn your backs 
upon this glorious light, to follow the feeble tapers of 
your own lighting. But you are not to suppose that this 
of itself, independent of all other considerations, will 
decide you to your particular sphere of labor, l^ext, 
then, look for the developments of God's providence 
in your own characters, and in the circumstances in 
which you are placed. Watch for the expression of 
his will in the opinions and advice of your most pious 
and judicious brethren respecting you, and by all 
means humbly and earnestly pray for guidance from 
above. 



I 



The FuELOuaH. 36c 



" ' Finally, seek for a deep and abiding conviction 
of duty. Do not act from the impulse of mere feeling. 
There is great danger here. Feelings often mislead us. 
Good men sometimes mistake transient impressions, or 
the whisperings of their own vain imaginations, for a 
sense of duty, and follow some Satanic influence, in- 
stead of the Spirit of truth. You must be very cau- 
tious here. I well recollect when I and other young 
men stood before the association in Bradford, to peti- 
tion that body for aid in prosecuting our missionary 
scheme. Inquiry was made respecting the motives 
which prompted us to engage in this work. Samuel 
J. Mills replied, with great emphasis, "I feel myself 
impelled to go — yea^ woe is me if I preach not the Gos- 
pel to the heathen?'' It is this settled conviction of duty 
to Christ, a feeling that necessity is laid upon him, and 
this only, that will sustain a man under the severe 
trials and labors of the missionary life. Without this 
he will soon be discouraged, and faint by the way. 
But with the assurance that, having humbly submitted 
himself to the Divine teaching, he has the approval of 
Christ, he is prepared for any event. With this he 
can labor ; by this he can die. If brought into diffi- 
culties, from which there seems no escape, he feels that 
he has gone thus far in obedience to his Lord's com- 
mand ; that he is doing his Master's work ; and that, 
whatever befalls him, all is well : it is the will of Christ. 

" 'If you can have this unwavering conviction, my 
dear brethren, that God requires you to go as mission- 
aries to the heathen, go. But do not go without it. 
It is indispensable to your success. I have known 
more than one missionary break down for want of this 
assurance. 

" 'If it be the will of God, may many of you go, 



364 The Furlough. 



constrained by the love of Christ, and lead many more 
to love him ; and when our work is done on earth, may 
we all be raised to heaven, where we shall know more 
of his love to us, and love him more.' 

" A short but fervent prayer by Dr. Judson closed 
this deeply interesting interview ; and I doubt not all 
present felt, as the man of God turned to depart, what 
it was to live and labor for Jesus Christ, as they never 
felt it before." 

These visits are doubtless associated in the minds of 
those who were present with the choicest memories of 
life. 

A special meeting of the body usually known as the 
Baptist Triennial Convention was held IS'ovember 19th, 
in the Baptist Tabernacle in the city of New York. 
The call for this meeting was issued a short time be- 
fore Mr. Jud son's arrival, it having been deemed 
necessary that the body should assemble, from the fact 
of a widely-entertained conviction that changes were 
needed in its constitution ; and also on account of the 
formation of a new missionary organization at the 
South. A painful sense of the sundering of ties, which 
had bound the denomination in harmonious action for 
thirty years, and the pressure of a heavy debt, weighed 
on the minds of those interested. The arrival of Mr. 
Judson in time for this important meeting was therefore 
hailed by many with thanksgiving. It was believed 
that his presence and counsels would prove invaluable 
in the solution of the perplexities of this critical time. 
This opinion, subsequent events fully justified. 

Upon the opening of this convention, after the roll 
had been called, a solemn pause ensued. It was soon 
broken, and the familiar tones of the Rev. Dr. Cone's 
voice filled every corner of the house. In this speech, 



The Furlough. 365 

brief, but lastingly impressive, he referred to the occa- 
sion when, first in time of war, and in Baltimore, then 
a beleagured city, he heard from Luther Eice the ac- 
count of the conversion of himself and Mr. Judson to 
the principles of the Baptist denomination, and his ap- 
peals for aid for the missionary convention. Every 
eye was then fixed on the speaker as he led the vast 
throng to contemplate the pleasing contrast between a 
call to aid in blessing the world and the trumpet's call 
to battle, and the feebleness of the first endeavors made 
for missionary purposes with the prosperity which had 
subsequently rested upon the convention. The follow- 
ing resolutions were moved by the venerable speaker: 

" Resolved^ That this convention regard as a special 
occasion of gratitude to the God of all grace, that he 
has so long preserved the life of our senior missionary, 
the Eev. Adoniram Judson, D.D., and has strength- 
ened him to perform services of inestimable value to 
the perishing heathen. 

" Resolved^ That the president be requested to ex- 
press to our brother Judson assurances of the pleasure 
with which we welcome him to his native land, and of 
our heartfelt sympathy with him in the painful circum- 
stances which have withdrawn him, as we hope, only 
for a season from the field of his missionary labors." 

These were, of course, unanimously adopted, and the 
mover of the resolution again arose, and, taking the 
veteran missionary by the hand, he addressed himself 
to the president in a single sentence : " I present to 
YOU Jesus Christ's man." On this Dr. Wayland ad- 
dressed Mr. Judson in the following appropriate and 
impressive terms : 

" It is with no ordinary feelings, my beloved brother, 
that I rise to discharge the duty imposed upon me by 



366 The Furlough. 

the resolution which you have this moment heard. My 
own heart assures me that language is inadequate to 
express the sentiments of your brethren on the present 
occasion. 

"Thirty-three years since, you and a few other ser- 
vants of the most high God, relying simply upon his 
promises, left your native land to carry the message of 
Christ to the heathen. You were the first offering of 
the American churches to the Gentiles. You went 
forth amid the sneers of the thoughtless, and with only 
the cold and reluctant consent of many of your breth- 
ren. The general voice declared your undertaking 
fanatical, and those who cowered under its rebuke drew 
back from you in alarm. On the voyage your views 
respecting Christian ordinances became changed, and 
this change gave rise to the convention now in session 
before you. 

"When at length you arrived in India, more formi- 
dable obstacles than those arising from paganism were 
thrown in your path. The mightiest empire that the 
world has ever seen forbade every attempt to preach 
Christ to the countless millions subjected to her sway, 
and ordered you peremptorily from her shores. Escap- 
ing from her power, you took refuge in the Isle of 
France, and at last, after many perils, arrived at Ran- 
goon, where, out of the reach of Christian power, you 
were permitted to enter upon your labors of love. 

" After years of toil you were able to preach Christ 
to the Burmans, and men began to inquire after -the 
eternal God. The intolerance of the governuient then 
became apparent, and you proceeded to Ava, to plead 
the cause of toleration before the emperor. Your sec- 
ond attempt was successful, and permission was grant- 
ed to preach the Gospel in the capital itself. But how 



The Furlough. 367 

inscrutable are the ways of Providence ! Yonr labors 
had just commenced when a British army took posses- 
sion of Rangoon, and you and your fellow-laborer, the 
late Dr. Price, were cast into a loathsome dungeon, 
and loaded with chains. For nearly two years you 
suffered all that barbarian cruelty could inflict ; and to 
the special interposition of God alone is it to be as- 
cribed that your imprisonment was not terminated by 
a violent death. On you, more than any other mis- 
sionary of modern times, has been conferred the dis- 
tinction of suffering for Christ. Your limbs have been 
galled with fetters, and you have tracked with bleeding 
feet the burning sands between Ava and Oung-pen-la. 

"With the apostle of the Gentiles you may say, 
' Henceforth let no man trouble me : I bear in my 
body the scars of the Lord Jesus.' Yet even here God 
did not leave you comfortless. He had provided an 
angel to minister to your wants, and when her errand 
was accomplished, took her to himself, and the hopia 
tree marks the spot whence her spirit ascended. From 
prison and from chains, God, in his own time, delivered 
you, and made your assistance of special importance 
in negotiating a treaty of peace between these two na- 
tions, one of whom had driven you from her shores, 
and the other had inflicted upon you every cruelty but 
death. 

" Since this period, the prime of your life has been 
spent in laboring to bless the people who had so bar- 
barously persecuted you. Almost all the Christian 
literature in their language has proceeded from your 
pen ; your own hand has given to the nation the oracles 
of God, and opened to the millions now living, and to 
those that shall come after them to the end of time, 
the door of everlasting life. That mysterious Provi- 



368 The Furlough. 

dence which shut you out from Burmah proper has in- 
troduced you to the Karens — a people who seem to 
have preserved, from remote antiquity, the knowledge 
of the true God, and who were waiting to receive the 
message of his Son. To them you, and those who have 
followed in your footsteps, have made known the Sa- 
viour of the world, and they by thousands have flocked 
to the standard of the Cross. 

''After years spent in unremitted toil, the providence 
of God has brought you to be present with us at this 
important crisis. We sympathize with you in all the 
sorrows of your painful voyage. May God sustain you 
in your sore bereavement, and cause even this mysteri- 
ous dispensation to work out for you a far more exceed- 
ing and eternal weight of glory. 

" How changed is the moral aspect of the world 
since you first entered upon your labors ! Then no 
pagan nation had heard the name of Christ from Amer- 
ican lips ; at present, churches of Christ, planted by 
American benevolence, are springing up in almost 
every heathen nation. The shores of the Mediter- 
ranean, the islands of the sea, the thronged cities and 
the wild jungles of India, are resounding with the high 
praises of God, in strains first taught by American mis- 
sionaries. The nation that drove you from her shores 
has learned to foster the messenger of the Cross with 
parental solicitude. You return to your native land, 
whence you were suffered to depart almost without 
her blessing, and you find that the missionary enter- 
prise has kindled a flame that can never be quenched 
in the heart of the universal church, and that every 
Christian and every philanthropist comes forward to 
tender to you the homage due to the man through 
whose sufi'erings, labors, and examples these changes 



The Furloijgh. 369 

have, to so great a degree, been effected. In behalf of 
our brethren, of the whole church of Christ, we welcome 
you back to the land of your fathers. God grant that 
your life may long be preserved, and that what you have 
seen may prove to be but the beginning of blessing to 
our churches at home and to the heathen abroad." 

The few words which Mr. Judson felt able to utter 
on this occasion were expressive of his acknowledg- 
ments of the welcome which he had received, and his 
earnest hopes that it would be overruled to promote a 
more faithful discharge of the duties of the missionary 
life. 

In the evening, after a sermon by the Rev. Dr. 
Sears, Mr. Judson spoke a few words to the congrega- 
tion. Dr. Cone again acting as reporter. Few who 
were present will fail to recall the touching terms in 
which he expressed his desire to look away from the 
field of his missionary toil, and the infant churches he 
had been instrumental in rearing in Burmah, to turn 
his eyes to the purer and better world, to Jesus Christ, 
who ever liveth at the right hand of God, and to the 
general assembly and church of the First-born, whose 
names are written in heaven. 

On the second day of the meeting of the convention, 
the final action was taken, by which it was unani- 
mously resolved, provided the necessary legal charters 
could be obtained, to conduct the future operations 
for foreign evangelization under the name of the 
American Baptist Missionary Union. Thus he, who 
was the principal cause of its origin, was permitted to 
be present at the meeting which decreed its disso- 
lution. 

The debt to which we have alluded amounted to 
forty thousand dollars. Some portion of this was 

16^ 



370 The Fuelotjgh. 

pledged conditionally before the meeting. The pres- 
ence of Mr. Judson was. doubtless, an incentive to 
free-will offerings, exceeding by some thousands the 
amount necessary to extinguish the debt. 

On the morning of the third day's session of the con- 
vention a most deeply affecting incident occurred. On 
account of the state of the funds, it was thought nec- 
essary by the acting board to contemplate the relin- 
quishment of some of the stations. Among those which 
it was suggested might be abandoned was Arracan. 
The bare thought of this was a cause of exquisite pain 
to Mr. Judson, and caused him to exclaim, "Though 
forbidden to speak by my medical adviser, I must say 
a few words. I must protest against the abandon- 
ment of the Arracan mission." After uttering this 
sentence his voice sank, and he proceeded in subdued 
tones to present his reasons ; these Dr. Cone repeated 
to the assembly. A last remark was : " If the conven- 
tion think my services can be dispensed with in finish- 
ing my dictionary, I will go immediately to Arracan ; 
or if God should spare my life" — the thought sug- 
gested by the words "spare my life" was too much 
for Dr. Cone to contemplate, and he paused in relating 
his remarks, while sobs from the vast throng attested 
that he was not alone. When able to proceed with 
the report, the sentence was concluded — "or if God 
should spare my life to finish my dictionary, I will go 
there afterward, and labor there, and die, and be 
buriied there." The effect of these words was most 
thrilling, and led the meeting to adopt the resolution 
immediately offered by the Kev. Dr. Williams, of 
New York : " That in the indications of Divine Prov- 
dencCj as presented by the remarkable harmony and 
the reviving hopes of the brethren here met, and the 



The Fuklough. 371 

flowing together of all hearts in the baptism of one 
spirit, this convention find themselves compelled to 
abandon, for the present, at least, all thought of aban- 
doning or abridging their missionary stations, and that 
our heavenly Father is summoning us to re-enforce, 
and even to enlarge our operations, in fuller accord- 
ance with the greatness of his promises, and of the 
world's necessities." 

In companies which enjoyed Mr. Judson's presence, 
his sufferings in prison were frequently a topic of con- 
versation ; discourse concerning these he always avoid- 
ed. On one occasion, at the dinner-table, while at- 
tending the sessions of the convention, some observa- 
tions were made with respect to the scars of the cords 
with which he was bound when seized by the " spotted 
face" at Ava. In consequence of the evident desire 
of the company, the cuffs of his coat were drawn back, 
while he made the simple observation, as if there was 
nothing extraordinary about them, "There are the 
marks." Though so unmoved by the remembrance of 
barbarous cruelty, he was touched at once by a "•refer- 
ence to Christian sympathy. Soon as a lady who sat 
beside him spoke of the prayers offered in behalf of 
himself and wife, the new course of thought affected 
him so deeply that tears ran down his cheeks. 

The Lord's day succeeding the convention, Mr. 
Judson spent in Kew York, meeting in the morning 
with the venerable church of which Dr. Cone is pas- 
tor ; and in the afternoon with the Cannon Street 
Baptist church, then under the ministry of the Rev. 
Henry Davis. On both occasions the missionary 
spoke a few w^ords to the congregations through their 
pastors. 

The reception which he everywhere met indicated 



372 The FuPwLOUgh. 

to Mr. Judson's mind a public sentiment in favor of 
missions which he had not expected to discover. To 
these he alluded, in the address at Cannon Street church, 
in refuting the frequently urged plea, that modern mis- 
sions have been unsuccessful. After speaking of the 
loneliness of his embarkation in 1812, he said: "Kow, 
when missionaries return to their native land, such is 
the interest taken in the cause of missions, that the 
largest houses of worship are crowded with multitudes, 
anxious to see and to hear them, and they are welcomed 
by the smiles and greetings of thousands and hundreds 
of thousands. Does this look as if modern missions 
were a failure ?" There is no doubt that much was 
said to his ])raise, both on the platform and in the 
parlor, that was an occasion of pain to the missionary. 
Tlie ancient Athenians were not more opposed to re- 
nowning than he was ; for he was ever anxious that 
the instrument of good should be forgotten, and the 
glory rendered to God. Nevertheless, the moral sig- 
nificance of the welcome he received he most gladly 
recognized. 

The last Lord's day in JS^ovember Mr. Judson spent 
at Hamilton. The afternoon he devoted to a meeting 
with the students of Madison University. This inter- 
view has been thus described by the Eev. Josiah Hatt, 
of Hoboken, then a member of the institution : 

"After the preliminary services, the Rev. Dr. Na- 
thaniel Kendrick arose to introduce Dr. Judson to the 
audience, taking occasion to remind us of the main 
points in his eventful life. I think I am correct in 
saying that this was the last public appearance of that 
venerable man, who, more than any other individual, 
perhaps, has contributed to the advancement of min- 
isterial education in the State of New York. 



The Fuklough. 373 



"At the conclusion of this address Dr. Judson 
whispered a few remarks in the ear of the Kev. Dr. 
Maginnis for repetition to the students. ' Brethren,' 
said the veteran, ' look to Jesus. This sight will fill 
you with the greatest consolation and delight. Look 
to him on the cross ; so great is his love, that if he 
had a thousand lives he would lay them all down for 
your redemption. Look to him on the throne ; his 
blessed countenance fills all heaven with delight and 
felicity. Look to him in affliction ; he will strengthen 
you. Look to him in temptation ; he will succor you. 
Look to him in death ; he will sustain you. Look to 
him in the judgment ; he will save you.' 

"It is useless to attempt a description of the electric 
effect of these compendious sentences. Dr. Maginnis 
was himself deeply moved, and commenced his con- 
cluding address with the exclamation, ' How much I 
regret you could not have heard our brother for your- 
selves ! I have done my best to re23eat him for your 
benefit, but I have come so far short of the proper ex- 
pression that I inconceivably regret having made the 
attempt.' The Rev. Dr. Conant followed with the 
concluding prayer, and, notwithstanding the concise 
and classical style which marks all his performances, 
it was so full of heavenly unction that it was evident 
that he had drunk deeply into the spirit of the occa- 
sion. As for Dr. Eaton, his emotional soul literally 
rocked with intensity. 

" After the services, the whole body of students ap- 
proached the missionary, in the order of their classes, 
for a personal greeting. It was refreshing to remem- 
ber that Judson was once a student, and that not one 
of us was denied a participation with him in the grace 
and glory of the Redeemer's kingdom. 



374 The Furlough, 



*' There were some of us whom Dr. Judson wished 
particularly to see, and accordingly the members of 
the ' Eastern Association' were requested to retire to 
the study of the Rev. E. C. Lord, now of China. There 
his whisperings became audible, and we had the 
pleasure of hearing from him a brief exhortation on 
the necessity to a missionary of a lively sense of the 
love of Christ. ' Young brethren,' said he, ' if you 
really feel that Jesus loves you, how can you avoid 
loving him with all your heart, and mind, and strength ? 
You can not then hesitate to be and to do all that he 
requires at any and every conceivable cost.' 

" Commending us all to the Lord and to the w^ord 
of his grace, he departed, leaving one mind, at least, 
impressed with a conviction of duty to Christ and 
men, to the present moment." 

The clergy and members of the churches of Phila- 
delphia were earnestl}^ desirous that Mr. Judson should 
visit them, and accordingly requested the Rev. Mr. 
Gillette to proceed to Boston to persuade him, if pos- 
sible, to make a short sojourn in their city. He ac- 
companied Mr. Gillette on his return, arriving in 
Philadelphia December 24th. Li the beginning of the 
new year several meetings were held, which were re- 
freshed by his words, either orally delivered, or read 
by one of his brethren. The following was one of his 
principal addresses : 

" Be- ye imitators of me, as I am of Christ, is a di- 
vine command. There is one Being in the universe 
who unites in himself all the excellences of human and 
divine nature — that being is Jesus Christ. To become 
like Jesus Christ, we must be like him, not only in spirit 
and character, but in the whole course and conduct of 
life ; and to become like him ought to be our whole 



The Fuelough. 375 

aim. In order to this, it is necessary to ascertain the 
leading characteristics of that glorious Being. It ap- 
pears from the inspired writings, that one leading 
characteristic of Christ was, that ' he went about 
doing good.' To be like him we must go about — not 
merely stay and do good, but go and do good. There 
is another characteristic which we should consider. 
He led the life of a missionary. In order, therefore, 
to be like him in this particular, we must endeavor, 
as far as possible, to lead the life of missionaries. Be- 
fore my arrival in Burmah there were about seven 
millions of men, women, and children who had no 
knowledge of the true God, and of salvation through 
Jesus Christ. They did not believe in the existence 
of an eternal God. They believed that when they 
died they would be changed into beasts, or be annihi- 
lated. Their only object in worship was to obtain 
some mitigation of suffering. They never expected to 
meet their friends again after death. Imagine your- 
selves, my Christian friends, in their state, without a 
knowledge of God. Suppose, while in that state, you 
heard that in some isle of the sea were those who had 
received a revelation, informing them that God had 
sent his own Son to open a way to everlasting life — 
would you not rejoice if some one should come to show 
you that way to heaven? Would not some of you 
believe? "Would you not leap with joy, and kiss the 
feet of those who brought you the good tidings? 
Would you not, under these circumstances, desire that 
a messenger should come to you ? ' As ye would that 
men should do to you, do ye even so to them.' I 
should rejoice to address the assembly at large, but 
my physicians have forbidden me, and I must commit 
this duty to others who are to follow. But allow me 



3TG The Furlough. 



to say, that I regard the office of the missionary as a 
most glorious occupation, because the faithful mis- 
sionary is engaged in a work which is like that of 
the Lord Jesus Christ ; and a missionary who is un- 
faithful^ sinks the lowest of his species in guilt and 
ignominy. Happy are they who can in this respect 
follow Christ. But the Lord Jesus is not now a mis- 
sionary. He has retired from this employment, and 
now employs himself in sustaining his missionaries 
with the promise, ' Lo, I am with you alway, even to 
the end.' If you can not, therefore, become a mis- 
sionary, sustain by your prayers, your influence, and 
your property those who are. In these ways Jesus 
Christ now sustains them. By his prayers^ as Advo- 
cate and Intercessor with the Father ; by his influence, 
as he is vested with all power in heaven and earth ; by 
his property, by pouring out fresh supplies of his 
Spirit, and opening the hearts of his children to con- 
tribute. In order, therefore, to be like Christ, go about 
doing good ; and if it is not in your power to give 
yourselves to this work, give your prayers, your influ- 
ence, and your property. So far as we are like Christ 
in this world, so far shall we be like him through 
eternity. So far as we sustain this cause, which is 
peculiarly the cause of God, so far we shall be happy 
through endless ages." 

On another of these occasions, in which all delighted 
to give him honor, he observed: ^'I deem it more 
proper than to receive commendation that I humbly 
ask to be forgiven for my unprofitableness." In the 
meetings then held, over fifteen thousand dollars were 
raised, and the result of them is manifest in the mis- 
sionary spirit seen to this day. 

From Philadelphia, Mr. Judson proceeded south- 



The Furlough, 3T7 



ward. One of the first places lie visited was Wash- 
ington. Here, after a sermon by the Rev. G. W. Sam- 
son, he is reported to have stated : 

"It has been said that human praise to human ears 
is always sweet; but to him, as a missionary of the 
Cross, it was only so when offered through him to his 
Lord. He felt that he was a miserable sinner, and de- 
sired that his brethren here would unite and pray for 
him, that all his unfaithfalness might be pardoned. 
What was the missionary's work? Some of its respon- 
sibilities, and the encouragements we had to prosecute 
it, Dr. Judson said, had been declared to us in the dis- 
course to which we had listened this evening. When 
he first visited Burmah, the idea of an eternal God was 
not believed nor entertained by any of the Burmans ; 
and nothing more than this idea was entertained by 
the Karens ; but now the former had in their own lan- 
guage the whole Word of God ; and the New Testa- 
ment, and parts of the Old, had been translated, by 
American missionaries, into several other languages of 
the East. He spoke of our missions as exjyensive, as 
requiring much for the outfit of missionaries, and for 
sustaining them in that field ; but sacrifices of i^ pecu- 
niary character were not the only or the greatest ones 
to be encountered. There was the sacrifice of domes- 
tic and social comforts here enjoyed, and the sacrifice 
of life. He remarked that the average life of Amer- 
ican missionaries to the East was only about five years. 
But we must have men and money for this work ; and 
we must all co-operate and make sacrifices together. If 
men were found willing to go, the church at home 
should feel willing to send them out, and support them, 
that they might give themselves wholly to their work. 
Dr. Judson said that his heart was full, and it was a 



378 The Furlough 



great privation to him that he was not able to speak 
out and unburden himself to the satisfaction of him- 
self and of the audience ; but this the providence 
of God prevented him from doing, and he must sub- 
mit." 

On the 8th of February a mass meeting of the friends 
of missions was held at Kichmond, Ya., to express the 
welcome of Christians in nine Southern States. At tliis 
meeting, the Rev. J. B. Jeter, President of the South- 
ern Board for Foreign Missions, expressed the appreci- 
ation in which he was held and the sympathies enter- 
tained for him as follows : 

"Brother Judson : I address you on behalf of the 
Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Con- 
vention, in Richmond, and, I may add, of the whole 
Baptist denomination in the South. The service is at 
once pleasing and painful — pleasing, because we had 
scarcely expected to enjoy the privilege of seeing your 
face and grasping your hand ; painful, because your 
want of voice prevents you from imparting to us the 
instruction and encouragement which you are well 
qualified to communicate ; and the brevity of your 
visit will make the pain of separation almost equal to 
the pleasure of meeting. 

^' I seize the present opportunity to present a few re- 
marks ; and I do it the more readily, as the state of 
your health does not permit us to expect many from 
yourself. 

" It is interesting to stand at the head spring of a 
great river, which, traversing a continent, spreads 
through kingdoms fertility and all the blessings of com- 
merce. The position awakens emotions of sublimity. 
It can not be less interesting and inspiring to contem- 
plate events which, in themselves seemingly unimport- 



The Furlough. 379 

ant, have produced momentous results. To such an 
event our attention is drawn by your presence. 

" When you and your honored associates, ^N^ott, 
Mills, and Jl^ewell, presented to the General Associa- 
tion of Congregationalists in Massachusetts, assembled 
in Bradford, in 1810, a paper expressing your desire to 
engage in the work of foreign missions, and asking 
their advice and aid, who could have anticipated the 
result of the application ? At that time the churches 
were slumbering profoundly on the subject of mis- 
sions ; there were no missionary societies, no plans ma- 
tured for conducting missions, and no funds collected 
for the support of missionaries. 

"The application originated the American Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions. A noble institu- 
tion it is, superior to any in our own land, and vying, 
in the wisdom of its measures and the success of its 
efforts, with the best ordered and most renowned mis- 
sionary organizations of the old world. Its annual 
expenditure is not far, if at all, short of one third of a 
million of dollars ; and its mission stations have dotted 
almost the whole extent of heathendom. 

"Under the patronage of this board, after consider- 
able hesitation and delay on their part, you embarked, 
with your companion and revered associates, in 1812, 
for the East. On your arrival there an event occurred 
deeply affecting your own course and the cause of 
missions. You, Mrs. Judson, and the lamented Eice 
became Baptists. Whatever may be said or thought 
of the change, your sincerity in making it can not be 
reasonably called in question. You abandoned a 
Christian denomination, wealthy, with whose members 
you were intimately acquainted, to whom you were 
tenderly attached, and from whom you expected a 



380 The Furlough. 

liberal support, and connected yourself with one com- 
paratively poor, to whose members you were a stran- 
ger, and from whom you had no prospect of receiving 
assistance. The hand of God was in it. The change 
Avas the means of arousing among the Baptists of the 
United States the missionary spirit, and forming the 
Baptist Triennial Convention, under whose patronage 
you have so long labored. 

" By a remarkable train of events, among which 
was the breaking ont of the war between this country 
and Great Britain, you were led, or rather driven, into 
Burmah. God had selected that field for you, and de- 
signed that you should accomplish a great work there. 

"I pass over the story of your toils and sufferings, 
your chains and imprisonment, and the almost super- 
human fortitude of your now sainted companion. It 
is familiar to every American, and, indeed, every 
Christian reader. It forms an essential and thrilling 
chapter in the history of missions. 

"And now, my brother — to say nothing of what has 
been effected by the missionaries of the Baptist Trien- 
nial Convention among the aborigines of America, in 
France, in Germany, in Denmark, in Greece, in Afri- 
ca, in China, in Siam, in Hindoostan, in Assam — be- 
jiold what a change God hath wrought in Burmah, 
and in the contiguous provinces ! The Bible has been 
translated into the Burman language, carefully re- 
vised, printed, put into circulation, and read by thou- 
sands. We watched with intense interest the progress 
of the translation. We prayed that your life might 
be spared to complete it. We saw you, when, having 
finished the last leaf of the precious volume, you took 
it in your hand, and bowing beside your desk, gave 
thanks to God that he had enabled you to accomplish 



The Furlough. 381 

the work. To that thanksgiving we subjoined our 
hearty amen ! In that land, so recently enveloped in 
the darkness of heathenism, churches have been found- 
ed, to worship the name and keep the ordinances of 
Jesus. ISTative preachers have been raised up to pro- 
claim, in their own tongue, and among their own 
countrymen, ' the unsearchable riches of Christ.' The 
Karens, a simple-hearted and singular people, are 
turning by hundreds and thousands to the Lord. 
Among them the Gospel has had a success rarely 
equaled since the da-ys of the apostles. On Burmali 
' the morning light is breaking.' The time to favor 
her has fully come. 

"We can not penetrate futurity. I pretend not to 
be skilled in prophetic interpretation ; but in the next 
half century we may anticipate great accessions to 
Christianity. We found our hope on 2^<^(^^f success. 
Wherever the Gospel has been preached plainly and 
faithfully, from the equator to the poles, among civil- 
ized or savage men, it has been the ' power of God 
unto salvation.' The success of the missionary enter- 
prise has everywhere corresponded, in a remarkable 
manner, with the measures of ability, zeal, and dili- 
gence employed in its prosecution. We base our ex- 
pectation on the increasing prevalence of the missionary 
sjpirit. When, more than half a century ago, the work 
of foreign missions commenced among the Anglo- 
Saxon Christians, led on by the immortal Carey, it 
was predicted that its advocates would soon grow 
weary and relax their efforts. The prediction has not 
been fulfilled. At no previous period has it been so 
much the settled policy and purpose of the churches 
to make efforts and sacrifices in the work of evangel- 
izing the world as it is now. And, above all, we 



382 The Furlough. 

found our hope on the Divine promises. Unless we 
have misconceived their import, they point to a time 
of greater light, purity, and triumph in the church 
than the world has yet seen. This sin-darkened earth 
is to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God. 
From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of 
the same, the name of Christ shall be great among the 
Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered 
unto his name, and a pure offering. 

'' Henceforth, my brother, you and we shall labor 
in connection with different boards. Events which 
neither you nor we could control produced the sepa- 
ration ; and God, we trust, will overrule it for good. 
One thing is certain : the Southern Baptists have no 
thought of abandoning the missionary field. We are 
])ucklin^on our armor, and marshaling our hosts for 
a stronger onset on the powers of darkness than we 
have yet made. We have selected China as our bat- 
tle-field ; a vast, interesting, and inviting field it is. 
It contains one half, if not two thirds of the heathen 
population of the globe. The wall which for centuries 
presented an insuperable barrier to the introduction 
of Christianity has recently been leveled with the 
dust, and the banner of the Cross now floats in triumph 
in Canton. 

" But I must close my remarks. Brother Judson, 
we are acquainted with your history. We have marked 
your labors, have sympathized in your various suffer- 
ings, have shed many a tear at the foot of the ' hopia 
tree,' have gone, in fancy, on mournful pilgrimage to 
the rocky island of St. Helena, have rejoiced in your 
successes and the successes of your devoted associates, 
and have long and fervently wished to see your face 
in the flesh. This privilege we now enjoy. Welcome, 



The Furlough. 383 

thrice welcome are you, my brother, to our city, our 
churches, our bosoms. I speak as the representative 
of Southern Baptists. We love you for the truth's 
sake, and for your labors in the cause of Christ. We 
honor you as the father of American missions. 

" One thought pains us. To-morrow morning you 
will leave us. We shall see your face no more. You 
wdll soon return to Burmah, the land of your adop- 
tion. There you will continue your toils, and there, 
probably, be buried. But this separation is not with- 
out its solace. Thank God, it is as near from Burmah 
to heaven as from Richmond, or any other point on 
the globe. Angels, oft commissioned to convey to 
heaven the departing^ spirits of pious Burmans and 
Karens, have learned the way to that dark land. 
When dismissed from your toils and sufferings, they 
will be in readiness to perform the same service for 
you. God grant that we may all meet in that bright 
world. There sin shall no more annoy us, separations 
no more pain us, and every power will find full and 
sweet employ in the service of Christ. 

" And now, my brother, I give my hand in token 
of our affection to you, and of your cordial reception 
among us." 

To this Christian and sympathetic welcome Mr. Jud- 
son thus replied : 

"I congratulate the Southern and Southwestern 
churches on the formation of the Southern Baptist 
Convention for Foreign Missions. I congratulate the 
citizens of Richmond that the Board of that Conven- 
tion is located here. Such an organization should 
have been formed several years ago. Besides other 
circumstances, the extent of the country called for a 
separate organization. I have read with much pleas- 



384 The Furlough. 

lire the proceedings of the Convention at Augusta, 
Georgia, and commend the dignified and courteous 
tone of the address sent forth by that body. I am 
only an humble missionary of the heathen, and do not 
aspire to be a teacher of Christians in this enlightened 
country ; but if I may be indulged a remark, I would 
say, that if hereafter irritating remarks should be 
made at the Xorth, I hope they will be met, on the 
part of the South, with dignified silence. 

"It is of great importance that all who engage in 
missionary efi'orts should be influenced by evangelical 
motives. It is worse than useless to be prompted by 
ostentation or a love of notoriety. Neither should we 
enter on this work to assure ourselves of our own per- 
sonal interest in Christ, though such assurance may 
be desirable. Neither should the salvation of the 
heathen be the inotive — the jprimary consideration — 
though this is unquestionably a legitimate end. 
What, then, is the prominent, all-constraining impulse 
that should urge us to make sacrifices in this cause ? 
There is one Being in the universe that unites in him- 
self all the perfections of Deity with all the purest 
and tenderest of human nature. He has at great ex- 
pense set up a kingdom in this world. He has set his 
heart on the enlargement of that kingdom, and is con- 
stantly exerting his Divine agency to accomplish that 
purpose. A supreme desire to please him is the grand 
motive that should animate Christians in their mis- 
sionary eiforts. And in every concern of life we 
should often look up to that lovely Being and inquire, 
' Does this please him V 

" When I commenced my labors in India there was 
not an individual beyond the Ganges that had any 
idea of a God. Now, in all those extensive regions, 



The Furlough. 385 

the people believe in one Supreme Intelligence. Then 
there was not an individual that prayed to the Chris- 
tian's God. 1^0 w there are many lovely churches and 
hundreds of happy Christians. I mention this, not 
because the Gospel has not been equally successful in 
other parts of the world, but because I am better ac- 
quainted with that field of missionary labor, and I 
desired to give you some idea of the success of the 
Gospel in Eastern Asia." 

It had been Mr. Judson's desire to proceed farther 
South, but he was only permitted to gratify himself by 
a visit to Baltimore before he felt it imperative to re- 
turn northward. At Baltimore a union missionary 
meeting was held, in which the Hev. Messrs. Hill, 
Briggs, and McKean, then pastors of the Baptist 
churches, participated. 

On his way to the East, Mr. Judson again made a 
stay of a few days in Philadelphia. On the first 
Lord's day in March he joined the Eleventh Street 
church, of which the Be v. Mr. Gillette was then pas- 
tor, in the celebration of the Lord's Supper. On this 
occasion he made an address, which one of the hearers 
penciled down as it fell from his lips. It is here pre- 
sented to the reader : 

" Beloved brethren : It is a privilege which can not 
be too highly esteemed, that of approaching the cross, 
and looking up to Jesus through the emblems which 
he himself hath appointed. This privilege, my breth- 
ren, is at this time ours ; let us, then, look unto Jesus, 
and gathering round the foot of the cross, listen for a 
few moments to the prayers he offered during his 
hours of mortal agony. He offered three petitions 
while hanging on the cross. The first was uttered 
about nine o'clock in the morning, when he was seized 

IT 



386 The Furlough 



by the brutal soldiery, and, thrown prostrate on the 
cross, the nails were driven through his hands and 
feet ; then the cross was raised and fixed in a place 
previously prepared in the ground, and, as it was 
driven down, and the whole weight thrown with a 
sudden jar upon the impaled hands and feet, the entire 
frame suffered a wrench of agony too terrible to be 
conceived. Tlien it was, at that moment of fearful 
suffering, that the first prayer was offered — ' Father, 
forgive them ; they know not what they do.' 

^' He seized on the only point that can at all extenu- 
ate their guilt — 'they know not.' 'They know not 
that I am thy Son, beloved before the world was. 
Oh, my Father, forgive them !' It was for his mur- 
derers that the first prayer upon the cross was offered ; 
and oh, my brethren, it was for us too — for us, whose 
sins had rendered it necessarj^ that he should die. He 
prayed for %is. fur whose sakes lie bore that fearful 
suffering — ' Father, forgive them ; they know not what 
they do.' And may we not hope that tlie petition has 
been heard ? that the sins committed by us, while yet 
we knew not, have been forgiven for his sake who suf- 
fered, and prayed, and died for us ? And now that 
we do know the terrible price paid for our redemption, 
oh ! can we ever crucify the Son of God afresh, and 
put him to an open shame ? 

'' For three dreadful hours he hung upon the cross ; 
and we may well suppose that all the rage of earth and 
hell was let loose against him. But a still more awful 
trial remained, and at twelve o'clock God withdrew 
his support— his Father's face was vailed. Then, in 
anguish alike inconceivable and intolerable, he offered 
the second prayer — 'My God! my God! why hast 
thou forsaken me V Shall we suppose that this was 



The Furlough. 387 

tlie outburst of agony and despair? or shall we not 
rather thmk it was the effort of the Spirit, bewildered 
bj the anguish of that withdrawal, to recollect why it 
was thus forsaken, and to recall the memory of the 
sinners for whom he was thus suffering. 

"Oh! brethren, if Jesus had yielded then, where 
should we be ? If, his Spirit failing under that intol- 
erable weight of agony, he had refused any longer to 
endure such suffering, where should we be? and our 
children, and our friends, and those who have gone 
before us to glory — where would they be ? and the 
dear Burman and Karen converts ; where would they — 
where would we all be, if Jesus had yielded then? 
But he did not yield ; he suffered on for three more 
awful hours, until the Father saw that all was accom- 
plished — that the price of our redemption was paid — 
that enough suffering had been endured to render it 
possible for every individual of our lost race to find 
salvation. Then, when the ]3rice was fully paid, look- 
ing upward to the blest abode he had inhabited from 
all eternity, and longing to spring upward from the 
bloody cross to the rest and glory at his Father's right 
hand, he uttered the last petition — ' Father, into thy 
hands I commend my spirit,' and the cords that bound 
his soul were loosened, his head sunk upon his shoul- 
der, and he ceased to breathe. 

"Oh! brethren, it was for us that this agony was 
endured ; let us remember this, and though we can not 
repay his love, let us give our hearts to him — let us 
devote our lives to his service. Let us live so that, 
when we are called to die, we may use the last prayer 
of our Master, and saying, without fear, ' Father, into 
thy hands I commit my spirit,' pass away to be forever 
with the Lord." 



388 The Furlough. 

The ninth annual meeting of the American and 
Foreign Bible Society, held May loth, 1846, was at- 
tended by Mr. Judson. On this occasion he prepared 
an address, which was read by the president. In ad- 
dition to other merits, it is valuable as containing an 
expression of his mature views on the proclamation of 
the Gospel, *' Go ye into all the world and preach the 
gospel, or, rather, proclaim the good news to every 
creature. The v^ov^ preach has, in modern usage, ac- 
quired a meaning rather too specific for the original. 
Oral communication may be the first and most obvi- 
ous, but is certainly not the exclusive meaning of the 
original word. It is more faithfully represented in 
English by the word proclaim. If a messenger from a 
king or superior government should be sent to a rebel- 
lious province to proclaim pardon to the inhabitants, 
he would evidently be fulfilling his commission, wheth- 
er he communicated the intelligence by addressing the 
people in his own person, or by inserting notices in 
the public prints, or by circulating handbills, or by 
distributing authentic documents from the sovereign, 
declaring the terms of pardon. The Apostle Paul did 
as really and certainly, as effectually and extensively, 
proclaim the Gospel, when he penned the Epistles to 
the Hebrews and the Romans, as when he addressed 
the Jews in their synagogues, or received company in 
his own hired house at Rome. The earlier communi- 
cations of a missionary, sent to impart the Gospel to 
an unenlightened people, will probably be of an oral 
kind ; but he will have very imperfectly fulfilled his 
commission if he leave them without the written Word. 
The mischievous consequences also of such neglect are 
abundantly manifest in the missions conducted by the 
Man of Sin. Protestant missions have patronized the 



The Fuklotjgh. 389 

translation and distribution of the Scriptures ; hut of 
late years there has ajppearecl^ in one or two instances^ a 
tendency to jpromote the oral communication of the Gos- 
pel^ not^ indeed^ to an undue pre-eminence^ hut in such 
a manner as to throw a shade over the written commic- 
nication hy means of tracts and Bcrijptures. In exam- 
ining the annals of modern missions, it is diflQ.cult to 
ascertain which mode of communicating the Gospel 
among a reading nation has received the greatest share 
of Divine blessing, and been instrumental of bringing 
most souls to the knowledge of the truth. And how- 
ever the preaching of the Gospel, in its common accept- 
ation, and the distribution of tracts, may secure earlier 
effects, and be regarded as more popular, all missionary 
operations, to be permanently successful, must be based 
on the written Word. "Where that Word is most re- 
garded and honored, there will be the most pure and 
permanent success. 

" The Word of God is the golden lamp hung out of 
heaven to enlighten the nations that sit in darkness, 
and to show them the path that leads from the con- 
fines of hell to the gates of paradise. The Bible, in 
the original tongues, comprises all the revelation now 
extant which God has given to this world. It is, in 
all its contents, and parts, and appendages, just the 
hooh^ the one book, which Infinite Wisdom saw best 
adapted to answer the end of a written revelation. It 
may not be reducible to the rules of human philosophy 
or logic, for it transcends them all. It is just as clear 
and obscure, just as copious and scanty, has just as 
many beauties and blemishes, is replete with just as 
many difficulties and apparent contradictions, as In- 
finite Wisdom saw necessary, in order to make it, like 
all the works of God, perfect and unique. This one 



390 The Furlough. 

perfect book is the sacred deposit in the hands of the 
church. It has been deposited with the injunction, 
'Freely ye have received, freely give.' Woe be to 
that man who withholds the treasure from his neigh- 
bor. "Woe be to him who attempts to obscure the 
light of the lamp of heaven. It is the peculiar glory 
of the last half century that the Christian world has 
awaked to the duty and importance of giving the sa- 
cred Word ' to all lands.' Praised be God for Bible 
and Missionary societies, the peculiar institutions of 
modern times. May their efforts be continued and 
enlarged a hundred-fold, until their work is consum- 
mated — until the Bible is translated and published in 
every language under heaven, and a copy of the sacred 
volume deposited in every palace, and house, and hut 
inhabited by man. 

" In this momentous era, can any believer in the 
Christian religion hope to lie down in the grave, and 
pass quietly to paradise, without having made some 
effort to diffuse the light of the Bible throughout the 
world ? Before he cherishes such a hope, and makes 
up his mind for such repose, let him consider how many 
millions there are who have never seen so much as one 
leaf of the sacred volume, never tasted so much as one 
drop of the water of that well from which he is draw- 
ing and drinking every day. Let him consider how 
much money must be expended, how many toilsome 
efforts made, and how many lives sacrificed, before the 
book can be translated, printed, published, and distrib- 
uted, before the well can be unsealed, and the water 
of life drawn and presented to all mankind. And then 
let him inquire of his conscience what he has done 
toward accomplishing this great work, during the 
years that have passed since he ventured to hope in 



The FrELouGH. 391 

the Saviour. He will then be unable to refrain from 
lifting bis cry, God of mercy, have mercy on me, and 
lielp me from this moment to spring forward to the 
work with such alacrity, and resolution, and self-de- 
votement as will secure the approving smile of the 
Saviour, and afford my own soul satisfaction on the 
great day." 

The final meeting of the General Convention, which 
was held in thePierrepont-street Church, Brooklyn, also 
occurred in the month of May. On the evening of the 
first day the Eev. Baron Stow read the following re- 
marks, which Mr. Judson had prepared for the occasion : 

"The greatest popular objection to the missionary 
enterprise is drawn from the small success which has 
attended missionary efforts among the great nations of 
the earth. Some progress has been made in convert- 
ing the ruder tribes of man ; but it must be confessed 
that no encouraging impression had been made in a 
single instance upon a great and particularly civilized 
people. The subject of missions has taken too deep a 
hold oil the public mind, and is too severely scrutinized 
to allow this objection to pass without an effort to meet 
it fairl}', and in such a way, if possible, as to encour- 
age the well-disposed and conciliate the rest. 

" The nations and tribes of man that call for mission- 
ary efforts may be considered under several divisions. 
One division comprises those who have no religion, no 
literature, not even, perhaps, a written language ; no 
priesthood of much influence or prescriptive right, and 
no imposing, long established, powerful government. 
Such a people will evidently be less prejudiced, their 
minds more open to the solicitations of a new religion, 
and there will be fewer barriers in the way of embrac- 
ing it. In human view, therefore, success might be 



392 The Furlough. 

expected ; and in the Divine view, a people not crush- 
ed under the weight of idolatry, not deeply stained 
with the sin of hereditary, enthusiastic worship of 
false gods, may appear less repugnant and more acces- 
sible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. These re- 
marks are justified by the success which has crowned 
tlie efforts of missionaries among the Greenlanders, 
the Karens, the South Sea islanders, and the people of 
color in the West Indies and other parts. Another di- 
vision comprises those nations where the Christian re- 
ligion once flourished, but subsequently passed away,, 
leaving the form of godliness without the power. 
Among such people we might expect that the opposi- 
tion of rulers and priests to the introduction of vital 
Christianity would assume a furious, bloodthirsty char- 
acter for a time, present a very formidable and appall- 
ing barrier ; but that the knowledge of Divine truth 
extensively diffused among the people, and some hered- 
itary reverence for the Scriptures, aided by the prayers 
of a pious ancestry, would ere long roll back the tide 
of opposition, and send forth judgment unto victory. 
Such appears to be the course of events in the north- 
ern parts of Germany and among the Americans ; and 
such will probably be the course among the Greeks and 
Roman Catholics. All these nations may be placed 
among the second class — second in regard to the time 
of their evangelical conversion. 

"The third division of the human family, the lowest 
class, that is, the last in the order of time — the class 
which will tire out the wavering and faint-hearted, 
and send to their homes all but the few who have put 
their hands to the plow with a grasp that no discour- 
agement, not death itself, can unloose, but who bring up 
their children to the same work and swear them at the 



The Fuelough. 393 

same altar — that class comprises, alas ! three fourths of 
the family of man, all the Mohammedan, the Braminical 
and Boodhistic nations, and all these numerous tribes 
and subdivisions where those false religions j)revail 
under some modification. These nations have gener- 
ally a literature erudite and extensive, closely inter- 
woven with their religion. Their priesthood is hered- 
itary, or invested with the most sacred, imposing 
credentials, and supported by all the power of the 
government. Their governments are monarchical, des- 
potic, intolerant, hostile to all free inquiry, opposed to 
all reform, and their police well organized, and extend- 
ing to almost every house and person. Shall we won- 
der, shall we be dismayed, shall we lose all heart, and 
relinquish the work in despair, because the Christian 
religion is not welcomed by such people, because the 
first missionaries can not within a few years enroll 
thousands among their converts? Is it nothing that 
they have obtained entrance and foothold in almost 
every one of these nations — that they have acquired 
the languages, even the most difficult — that they have 
compiled grammars and dictionaries — -that in the most 
important of those languages they have translated the 
Is^ew Testament, and in some cases the whole Bible — 
that they have prepared tracts and hymn-books and 
elementary works for the purposes of education — that 
they have organized various orders of schools, and 
even theological seminaries, though yet in a quite in- 
cipient state — that they have planted churches in many 
parts of Braminical and Boodhistic countries, contain- 
ing, not, indeed, thousands, but yet hundreds of pen- 
itent, believing, praying souls — that angels have found 
their way to those long abandoned regions, commis- 
sioned by the Saviour to gather in the first-fruits, pre- 

IT* 



3^4: The Fuelough, 



cious, most precious, in liis eyes ? Is it nothing that 
the ideas of the eternal God, and of the Saviour the 
Lord Jesus Christ, are daily spreading throughout these 
countries, commending themselves to the consciences 
of men, gradually undermining the reigning supersti- 
tions, and preparing the way for the triumph of truth, 
the full ushering in of millennial glory ? Shall it be 
objected that the success is small? Yes, it is small; 
but it would have been greater, if the Christian world 
had put forth strength, and if missionaries had been 
more faithful. But I submit, whether it has not been 
great enough to show us where our fault lies — great 
enough to prompt us to endeavor to correct it — great 
enough to encourage us to adopt the motto of my ven- 
erable father after he became a Baptist in his old age 
and was drawing near the grave, 'Keep straight for- 
wa/rd, a/nd trust in God.'' " 

On the 2d of June Mr. Judson was united in mar- 
riage, at Hamilton, to Miss Emily Chubbuck, the cere- 
mony being performed by the venerable Dr. Kendrick. 
With this lady Mr. Judson became acquainted in De- 
cember, 1845, in Philadelphia, at the house of the 
Rev. Mr. Gillette. She had previously been chiefly 
known in the walks of literature by the name of 
"Fanny Forrester." Her gifted pen has at various 
times promoted the cause of Christianity in circles 
where others might seek in vain to render service. 

After his marriage Mr. Judson proceeded to Boston 
to make preparations for a final departure from his 
native land. Arrangements having been made for his 
leaving the United States, in the ship Faneuil Hall, 
early in July, valedictory services were held in the 
Baldwin Place church of that city, June 30th, 1846. 
The introductory devotional exercises of the occasion 



The Furlough. 395 

were conducted by the Eev. Dr. ]^eal. of Boston, and 
the Eev. Dr. Ripley, of ISTewton. Then followed an 
address from the Eev. Baron Stow, in which he traced 
the manifestation of Divine Providence in the progress, 
of the missions, remarkable for its reproduction of fa- 
miliar circumstances in new and impressive lights. 

In concluding his remarks. Dr. Stow offered words 
of encouragement to those to whom the mission work 
was a new undertaking,"^ and then addressing himself 
to Mr. Judson, said : " Go, my brother, and resume 
the work which you was compelled reluctantly to sus- 
pend. Go, finish that work ; and as you send the last 
revised sheet to the press, bow again, and we will 
bow with you, in thankfulness to your gracious Pre- 
server. And when that is done, may we hear of you 
once more at Ava — not as a fettered prisoner, tracking 
the sands with your blood ; nor yet as a commissioner, 
to negotiate a treaty between contending nations; but 
as an ambassador from the King of Zion to the proud 
capital and its haughty court. Go, fulfill your mission, 
and prepare for your reward." 

When again the vast audience had bowed in prayer — ■ 
its devotions having been led by Eev. Dr. Sharp, and 
the instructions of the board read by the Eev. S. Peck — 
the veteran missionary arose, and, with his own voice, 
spoke as follows : 

" My friends ate aware that it is quite impossible for me. "without 
serious injury to myself, to sustain my voice at such a height as to 
reach this large assembly, except for a few sentences. I have, there- 
fore, taken the liberty of putting some thoughts on paper, which the 
Rev. Mr. Hague will do me the honor of reading to you. 

"I wish, however, in my own voice, to praise Grod for the deep inter- 

* The Rev. Messrs. Harris and Beecher, with their wives, and Miss 
Lillybridge, left for Burmah at the same time. 



396 > The Furlough. 

est in the cause of missions manifested by the friends of the Redeemer 
in this city and the vicinity, and to thank them for all their expres- 
sions and acts of kindness toward nie during my brief sojourn among 
them. I regret that circumstances have prevented my spending more 
time in this city, and forming a more intimate acquaintance with those 
whom a slight acquaintance has taught me so much to love. 

"It is as certain as any future event can be, that I shall never 
again revisit the shores of my native land ; that, after a few days, your 
beautiful city, this great and glorious country, will be forever shut 
from my view. No more shall I enter your places of worship ; no 
more shall I behold your faces, and exchange the affectionate saluta- 
tions of Christian love. 

" The greatest favor we can bestow on our absent friends is to bear 
them on our hearts at the throne of grace. I pray you, dear friends, 
remember me there, and my missionary associates, and our infant 
churches, and the poor heathen, among whom we go to live. And 
though we do meet no more on earth, I trust that our next meeting 
will be in that blessed world where ' the loved and the parted here 
below meet ne'er to part again.' " 

On the conclusion of these oral remarks Dr. Hague 
read the following: 

" There are periods in the lives of men, who experience much change 
of scene and variety of adventure, when they seem to themselves to be 
subject to some supernatural illusion, or wild, magical dream; when 
they are ready, amid the whirl of conflicting recollections, to doubt 
their own personal identity, and, like steersmen in a storm, feel that 
they must keep a steady eye at the compass and a strong arm at the 
wheel. The scene spread out before me seems, on retrospection, to be 
identified with the past, and at the same time to be reaching forward 
and foreshadowing the future. At one moment the lapse of thirty-four 
years is annihilated; the scenes of 1812 are again present; and this 
assembly — how like that which commended me to God on first leaving 
my native shores for the distant East! But, as I look around, where 
are the well-known faces of Spring, and Woi^cester, and D wight? 
Where are Lyman, and Huntington, and Griffin .' And where are 
those leaders of the baptized ranks who stretched out their arms across 
the water and received me into their communion ? Where are Bald- 
win and Bolles ? Where Holcombe, and Rogers, and Staughton .' I 
see them not. I have been to their temples of worship, but their 
voices have passed away. And where are my early missionary asso- 
ciates — Newell, and Hall, and Rice, and Richards, and Mills? But 



The Furlough. 397 

why inquire for those so ancient ? Vfhere are the succeeding laborers 
in the missionary field for many years, and the intervening generation 
who sustained the missions ? And where are those who moved amid 
the dark scenes of Eangoon, and Ava, and Tavoy ? Where those gen- 
tle, yet firm spirits, which tenanted forms — delicate in structure, but 
careless of the storm — now broken, and scattered, and strewn, like 
the leaves of autumn, under the shadow of overhanging trees, and on 
remote islands of the sea ? 

" No, these are not the scenes of 1812, nor is this the assembly 
that convened in the Tabernacle of a neighboring city. Many years 
have elapsed ; many venerated, many beloved ones have passed away to 
be seen no more. ' They rest from their labors, and their works do 
follow them.' And with what words shall I address those who have 
taken their places, the successors of the venerated and the beloved, 
the generation of 1812 ? 

"In that year American Christians pledged themselves to the work 
of evangelizing the world. They had but little to rest on, except the 
command and promise of God. The attempts then made by British 
Christians had not been attended with so much success as to establish 
the practicability or vindicate the wisdom of the missionary enterprise. 
For many years the work advanced but slowly. One denomination 
after another embarked in the undertaking, and now American mis- 
sionaries are seen in almost every clime. Many languages have been 
-acquired ; many translations of the Bible have been made ; the Gospel 
has been extensively preached, and churches have been established 
containing thousands of sincere, intelligent converts. The obligation, 
therefore, on the present generation, to redeem the pledge given by 
their fathers, is greatly enhanced. And it is an animating considera- 
tion, that, with the enhancement of the obligation, the encouragement 
to persevere in the work, and to make still greater efforts, is increasing 
from year to year. Judging from the past, what may we rationally 
expect during the lapse of another thirty or forty years .' Look for- 
ward with the eye of faith. See the missionary spirit universally dif- 
fused and in active operation throughout this country ; every church 
sustaining, not only its own minister, but, through some general or- 
ganization, its own missionary in a foreign land. See the Bible faith- 
fully translated into all languages ; the rays of the lamp of heaven 
transmitted through every medium, and illuminating all lands. See 
the Sabbath spreading its holy calm over the face of the earth, the 
churches of Zion assembling, and the praises of Jesus resounding from 
shore to shore; and though the great majority may still remain, as 
now in this Christian country, without hope, and without God in the 
world, yet the barriers in the way of the descent and operations of the 



398 The Furlough. 

Holy Spirit removed, so that revivals of religion become more constant 
and more powerful. 

"The world is yet in its infancy; the gracious designs of God are 
yet hardly developed. Glorious things are spoken of Zion, the city of 
our God. She is yet to triumph, and become the joy and glory of the 
whole earth. Blessed be God that we live in these latter times — the 
latter times of the reign of darkness and imposture. Great is our 
privilege, precious our opportunity, to co-operate with the Saviour in the 
blessed work of enlarging and establishing his kingdom throughout the 
world. Most precious the opportunity of becoming wise, in turning 
many to righteousness, and of shining, at last, as the brightness of the 
firmament, and as the stars, forever and ever. 

♦' Let us not, then, regret the loss of those who have gone before us, 
and are waiting to welcome us home, nor shrink from the summons 
that must call us thither. Let us only resolve to follow them who, 
through faith and patience, inherit the promises. Let us so employ 
the remnant of life, and so pass away, that our successors will say of 
ns, as we of our predecessors, ' Blessed are the dead that die in the 
Lord. They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.' " 

The last public services in wliicli Mr. Judson partic- 
ipated before the departure for the field of his toil was 
at a united missionary concert held by the Baptist 
churches in Boston on the first Lord's-day evening in 
July. The remarks he prepared for this occasion were 
as follows : 

" It is the most momentous question we can put to our own souls, 
whether we truly love the Lord .Jesus Christ or not ? for as that ques- 
tion is answered in the affirmative or the negative, our hope of heaven 
grows bright or dark. If we take the right way to ascertain, there is 
no question that can be more easily answered. It is the nature of true 
love to seek the pleasure and happiness of the person beloved. We no 
sooner ascertain the object on which his heart is set, than we lend all 
our efforts to secure that object. What is the object on which the heart 
of the Saviour is set ? For what purpose did he leave the bosom of the 
Father, the throne of eternal glory, to come down to sojourn, and suf- 
fer, and die in this fallen, rebellious world .' For what purpose does 
he now sit on the mediatorial throne, and exert the power with which 
he is invested ? To restore the ruins of paradise — to redeem his chosen 
people from death and hell— to extend and establish his kingdom 
throughout the habitable globe. This is evident from his whole course 
on earth, from his promises to the church, and especially from his part- 



The Fuklough. 399 

ing command, ' Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every 
creature.' 

' ' The means which he has appointed for the accomplishment of the 
purpose dearest his heart is the universal preaching of the Gospel. Do 
you, a professor of religion, love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ? 
Have you set your heart on that object which is dearest to his heart ? 
Are you endeavoring to obey his great parting command ? But perhaps 
you will say, This command is not binding on me. It is impossible for 
me to obey, and God never commands an impossibility. And saying 
thus, you disclose the real reason why men do little or nothing for mis- 
sions — that while they feel under obligation to endeavor to keep the 
commands which require them to love God supremely, and to love oth- 
ers as themselves, and feel guilty when conscious of neglecting or 
transgressing those commands, they never make an effort to go into 
all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature — never think of 
feeling guilty for having neglected and transgressed that command all 
their lives long ! 

" But let me now submit, that the command can be obeyed by every 
believer— that it is of universal obligation— and that no profession 
ought to be regarded as sincere, no love to the Saviour genuine, unless 
it be attended with a sincere endeavor to obey. But you will reply, 
How can I, unqualified and encumbered as I am, arise and go forth 
into the wide world and proclaim the Gospel ? Please to remember that 
all great public undertakings are accomplished by a combination of va- 
rious agencies. In commerce and in war, for instance, some agents are 
necessarily employed at home, and some abroad ; some at the head- 
quarters, and some on distant expeditions ; but however differently em- 
ployed, and in whatever places, they are all interested, and all share 
the glory and the gain. So, in the missionary enterprise, the work to 
be accomplished is the universal preaching of the Gospel, and the con- 
version of the whole world to the Christian faith ; and in order to this, 
some must go, and some must send and sustain them that go. " How 
can they hear without a preacher, and how can they preach except 
they be sent ?" Those that remain at home and labor to send and siis- 
tain those that go, are as really employed in the work, and do as really 
obey the Saviour's command, as those who go in their own person. See 
you not, then, that the great command can be obeyed, and is actually 
binding on every soul ? Feel you not that you are under obligation to 
do your utmost to secure that object at which the Saviour aimed, when 
he gave that command .' Is it possible there is some one in this assem- 
bly to whom it may be said. You will find, on examination, that you 
have not done your utmost — that indeed you have never laid this com- 
mand to heart, or made any very serious effort to obey it ; if so, how 



400 The Fuklough. 

can you hope that your love to the Saviour is any thing more than an 
empty profession ? How is it possible that you love the Saviour, and yet 
feel no interest in that object on which his heart is set? What, love 
the Saviour, who bled and died for this cause, and yet spend your 
whole existence on earth in toiling for your personal sustenance, and 
gratification, and vain-glory ! 0, that dread tribunal to which we are 
hastening ! Souls stripped of all disguise there ! The final Judge, a 
consuming fire! 'Search me, God, and know my heart; try me, 
and know my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and 
lead me in the way everlasting.' " 

Mr. and Mrs. Judsoii erabarked with their associates 
on Saturday, July 11th. Although this took place 
about noon on one of the most oppressive days of the 
season, a large company was found assembled when 
they reached the wharf. A small raised platform 
served for the valedictory exercises. The prayer, 
touching and fervent, was offered by the Rev. A. D. 
Gillette, and then the company united in singing the 
following hymn, prepared for the occasion by Mrs. A. 
M. C. Edmond. 

Fare ye well, friends beloved ! 

Speed ye on your mission high ; 
Give to lands of gloomy error 

Living truths that never die. 
Tell, tell them. 

Their redemption draweth nigh. 

Fearless ride the stormy billows, 

Fearless every danger dare ; 
Onward ! in your steadfast purpose, 

We will follow you with prayer. 
Glorious mission ! 

'Tis the Cross of Christ ye bear. 

Though our parting waken sadness, 

'Tis not all the grief of woe ; 
There are tears of Christian gladness 

Mingling with the drops that flow. 
'Tis for Jesus 

That we freely bid you go. 



The Fuklough. 401 



Yes ! we would not here detain you, 

But our daily prayers shall rise, 
Earnest with the love we bear you, 

While you toil where error lies — 
Fervent pleadings, 

For rich blessings from the skies. 

Man of God ! once more departing 

Hence, to preach a Saviour slain, 
With a full, warm heart we give thee 
To the glorious work again. 
, Faithful servant. 

Thou with Christ shall rest and reign. 

Fare ye well ! till toils are ended, 

And on earth we cease to dwell ; 
Till around the throne we gather 

Rapt in bliss no tongue can tell ; 
Friends in Jesus ! 

Precious kindred — fare you well ! 

The voice of song ceased ; the last farewells were 
littered ; one after another hastened on shore, till the 
missionary company found none around them but the 
companions of their voyage. The ship was loosed 
from her moorings ; occasional signals were exchanged 
wdth the shore, but soon Boston itself became scarcely 
visible. Thus the missionary took leave of his friends 
in his native country, never again to meet them till 
all should gather to unite hand to hand and heart to 
heart in the eternal reunion of the unseen w^orld. 

The following letter, it will be seen, was written at 
intervals : 

TO THE EDITORS OF THE CHRISTIAN REFLECTOR, BOSTON, MASS. 

Ship Faneuil Hall, off St. Helena, September, 1846. 
Dear Brethren — In the hurrj'^ of leaving America, I neglected to 
thank my unknown friend, who, under his initials, sent me a note, 
through you, suggesting some corrections in the lines prepared for in- 
scription on the headstone of the grave at St. Helena. I received his 



402 Thpj Fuklough. 



favor just in time to avail myself of his suggestion ; and the lines now 
stand thus : 

She sleeps sweetly here, on this rock of the ocean, 

Away from the home of her youth, 
And far from the land where with heartfelt devotion, 

She scattered the bright beams of truth. 

The gravestones were shipped for the Cape of Good Hope about the 
middle of April last, and have probably by this time reached their 
destination. Having pen in hand, I am tempted to add a line, being, 
as the date indicates, " olf the island," though several hundred miles 
distant, for it lies not in the track of outward-bound ships. The pre- 
cipitous, rocky cliffs, however, that form the outline of that spot on 
the ocean, the narrow ravine winding between them and leading to 
the walled mansion of the dead, the low, overshadowing tree, and the 
swelling turf, marked, perhaps, by the white gravestones, are all dis- 
tinctly before me. And, did the misty mythology of antiquity still 
obtain, I could fancy the spirit of the departed sitting on one of the 
cloud-wrapped peaks that overhang her grave, and pensively observ- 
ing the Faneuil Hall on her circuitous route to the southeast. " Why 
are you wheeling away at such a distance from me and m}' lonely 
dwelling ? The dear little ones that I left in your charge, where are 
they ? And who — what slender form is that I see at your side, occu- 
pying the place that once was mine ?" But the mistiness and dark- 
ness of Pagan mythology have been dispelled by beams of light from 
those higher heights where she is really sitting. And thence, if de- 
parted spirits take cognizance of things on earth, she sees with satis- 
faction that I am hastening back to the field of our common labors. 
She sees, with delight and gratitude to God, that all her children are 
situated in precise accordance with her last wishes and prayers. And 
glad she is to see me returning, not unattended. 

Farewell, rock of the ocean! I thank thee that thou hast given me 
a " place where I might bury my dead." Blessings on the dear 
friends of the Saviour who dwell there. And if any of the surviving 
children of the departed should ever enjoy the privilege, which is de- 
nied me, of visiting and sliedding a tear over her grave, may a double 
portion of her heavenly spirit descend and rest upon them. 

Off the Isle of France, October, 1846. 
Above thirty-three years ago, I went with my dear wife (the first 
Mrs. Judson) to the populous city of the dead in Port Louis, on the 
adjacent island, to visit the new-made grave of Harriet Newell, the 
first American missionary who left this world for Heaven. It has 
been my privilege, twice since, to make a pilgrimage to the same 



The Furlough, 403 

spot. The last time, my second departed one expected to find her 
resting-place by the side of Mrs. Newell, but her grave was digging in 
another island. 

It is a thought that presses on me at this moment, how little the 
missionary who leaves his native land can calculate on his final rest- 
ing-place. Out of twenty-five missionaries, male and female, with 
whom I have been associated, and who have gone before me, five or 
six only found their graves in those places to which they were first 
sent. Strangers and pilgrims, they had no abiding place on earth ; 
they sought a permanent abode beyond the skies ; and they sought to 
show the way thither to multitudes who were groping in darkness, and 
saw it not. 

Off Amheest, A^ovember 27, 1846. 

The wide expanse of the ocean is again crossed ; the Maulmain 
mountains loom in the distant horizon ; the Kyaik-a-mee pagoda indi- 
cates the promontory of Amherst ; and now, on the green bank just 
beyond, I discern, with a telescope, the small inclosure which contains 
the sleeping-place of my dear Ann and her daughter Maria. Like my 
missionary associates, the members of my own family are scattered far 
and wide; for the mounds that mark their graves stud the burial- 
places of Rangoon, Amherst, Maulmain, Serampore, and St. Helena, 
What other place shall next be added to the list .? 

Above eighteen months ago I sailed from these shores with a heavy 
heart, distressed at leaving my friends and my work, and appalled at 
the prospect of impending death. With mingled emotions I now re- 
turn. But these things suit rather the eye and the ear of private 
friends. I will only add my fervent wish that the Heaven-blessed 
land where I have been so warmly received during my late brief visit, 
may pour forth her representatives, her wealth, and her prayers, to 
enlighten and enrich this my adopted land, whose shores are just now 
greeting my eyes. Yours affectionately, 

A. Jtrnsojv. 

After a yoyage of one hundred and forty days, Mr. 
Jndson was once more permitted to land in Maulmain. 
From his household flock one had been removed by 
death, but the two surviving children it was his priv- 
ilege to find in good health. In the mission he found 
in every department evidences of progress and pros- 
perity. 



CLOSING TOILS. 

"As always, so now also, Christ shall he magnified in my body, 
whether it he hy life, or hy death." — Phil. i. 20. 

THOUGH the sojourn in liis native land proved in 
some respects very refreshing to our missionary, 
yet, as on his departure from Maulmain, so till the 
period of his restoration to that place, the thought that 
his labors in connection with the dictionary were in- 
termitted, weighed heavily on his spirits. His lexico- 
graphical labors, it is true, were not marked by the 
enthusiasm which was evident in his translation of the 
sacred oracles, but he was disposed, according to the 
language he had recently employed in the United 
States, to toil on all his appointed time, until his change 
should come. Xo sooner, therefore, was he restored 
to his Burman home than he set himself again to carry 
forward his important undertaking. 

In the twenty years in which missionary labor had 
been chiefly prosecuted under the protection of the 
British flag, God had given him to see much of his 
goodness and mercy, but there was yet "a region be- 
yond." The extension of the Redeemer's kingdom in 
Burmah proper was a subject of intense interest to his 
mind. As the dictionary w^as likely to be his main 
work for some time, and he knew that Rangoon would 



Closing Toils. 405 

afford him better facilities in his toils than Maulmain, 
as far as men and books were concerned, he was led to 
consider the advisableness of removing there. To this 
change of location he was favorably inclined from the 
fact that several missionaries were at Manlmain, while 
there was not one in Rangoon, and of course those who 
were seeking to come to the knowledge of the truth 
were without earthly teachers to guide them. At the 
same time a residence at his old station promised the 
best opportunity to watch the indications of Provi- 
dence with regard to a recommencement of missionary 
exertions in the country. 

Influenced by these considerations, our subject made 
a preparatory visit to Rangoon in January, 1847. 
Though a revolution had occurred some time before 
his visit, he found, as he previously anticipated, that 
the prospect of toleration for professors of Christianity 
was extremely dark. ISTevertheless it seemed probable 
that opportunity might occur for quietly diffusing a 
knowledge of the Gospel. As the governor encour- 
aged him to make his abode in Rangoon, he determiii- 
.ed to remove his household there, though the official 
was very careful to let him understand that his appro- 
val was given him on account of the religious interests 
of the English residents and the dictionary. 

The resolution being formed, he returned to Maul- 
main, and finding that the vessel in which he had 
secured a passage for his family and effects would be 
ready to leave in a week, Mrs. Judson and himself 
made their preparations as speedily as possible, and 
by the end of February he was settled once more in 
the golden empire. The only habitation which pre- 
sented itself in his reconnoitering visit was the upper 
part of a brick house, which possessed but small ad- 



406 Closing Toils. 



vantages for ventilation or convenience ; and this was 
situated in an undesirable section of the town. Though 
he felt some hesitancy in seeing his wife and children 
occupy this abode, yet for himself the opportunity of 
prosecuting his work was the chief concern. 

On account of past experiences of Burman rapacity, 
Mr. Judson determined to take but a small portion of 
Ill's household gear with him to Rangoon. Scarcely, 
however, had the family become domiciled in Kangoon, 
before tidings reached them that the dwelling occupied 
by the Rev. Mr. Stevens, in which considerable prop- 
erty had been deposited, was consumed by lire. By 
this conflagration articles of considerable pecuniary 
value were lost, and as many things were greatly 
valued from the fact that they were presents from kin- 
dred and friends in his native land,^ it was the more 
regretted. It is scarcely necessary to say that a man 
who had known much greater losses, and who had 
borne them with a fortitude so remarkable, was not 
wanting in equanimity under this affliction. 

In attempting to resume missionary labor in Ran- 
goon, our subject found several things which were far 
different from his wishes. To some of these he alludes 
in a communication addressed to the Corresponding 
Secretary of the Missionary Union, March 28, 1847: 
"I have just returned from baptizing a Burman con- 
vert, in the same tank of water where I baptized the 
first Bm-man convert, Moung ]^au, twenty-eight years 
ago. It is now twenty-five years since I administered 
baptism in Rangoon, the few converts that have been 
made during that period being generally baptized by the 
native pastor. My time has been mostly spent in Maul- 
main, where, having been instrumental, with others, 
in raising up a few Burmese and Karen churches, I 



Closing Toils. 407 

have left them, since my return from America, in the 
care of mj dear and excellent missionary brethren, 
and am now niaking a small attempt in Bm-mah prop- 
er. The attempt, however, is made under very dis- 
couraging circumstances. The present administration 
of government, though rather more friendly to foreign- 
ers, is more rigidly intolerant than that of the late 
king, Tharawaddy. Any known attempt at prosely- 
ting would be instantly amenable at the criminal tribu- 
nal, and would probably be punished by the imprison- 
ment or death of the proselyte and the banishment of 
the missionary. The governor of this place has re- 
ceived me favorably, not as a missionary, though he 
well knows, from old acquaintance, that tnat is my 
character, but as a minister of a foreign religion, min- 
istering to foreigners resident in the place, and a dic- 
tionary maker, ' laboring to promote the welfare of 
both countries.' Our missionary efforts, therefore, 
being conducted in private, must necessarily be very 
limited. It is, however, a precious privilege to be 
allowed to welcome into a private room a small com- 
pany, perhaps two or three individuals only, and pour 
the light of truth into their immortal souls ; souls that, 
but for the efficacy of that light, would be covered 
with the gloom of darkness — the darkness to be felt to 
all eternity. 

"Another discouraging circumstance is the very 
low state of the Burman church in this place. There 
are about twenty nominal members still surviving ; 
but they are much scattered, and not half of them ap- 
pear to be living members. I have therefore been 
making an attempt to reorganize the church, and have 
found fom- individuals who have united with myself 
and wife in renewing our church covenant, and estab- 



408 Closing Toils. 



lishing a new church. We have this day received one 
new member, and w^e hope to find a few more of the 
old members who will come up to our standard." 

With the discouragements this letter mentions, yet 
there were some hopeful evidences of religious inquiry 
on the part of a few of the Burmans ; while the num- 
ber of the Karen inquirers was such as considerably to 
interrupt the labors connected with the dictionary. 

Regular worship was maintained on the Sabbath, 
and w4th increasing congregations, till the last Lord's 
day of May. Mr. Judson then recorded : " This is the 
first Lord's day on which I have had no regular wor- 
ship. A private order of government was issued, day 
before yesterday, to have the house I occupy watched 
by police officers, in order to apprehend any who might 
be liable to the charge of favoring ' Jesus Christ's re- 
ligion.' Seasonable information was communicated to 
me and the disciples by ' friends at court,' so that they 
have all escaped at present. None came near me, ex- 
cept two from the country, and with them I had a very 
interesting and affecting time in a private room, and 
they got off undiscovered. Four Karen lads, who had 
been waiting for a passage to Maulmain, decamped 
before light this morning for their native jungle." 

The sanguinary character of the chief ruler of Ran- 
goon, the same communication thus exhibits : " The 
vice-governor of the place, who is, indeed, the acting 
governor at present, is the most ferocious, blood- 
thirsty monster I have ever known in Burmah. It is 
said that his house and court-yard resound, day and 
night, with the screams of people under torture. Even 
foreigners are not beyond his grasp. He lately wreaked 
his rage on some Armenians and Mussulmans, and one 
of the latter class died in the hands of a subordinate 



Closing Toils. 409 

officer. His crime was quite a venial one ; but in or- 
der to extort money, he was tortured so barbarously 
tliat the blood streamed from his mouth, and he was 
dead in an hour." 

This hindrance to missionary effort made a painful 
impression on Mr. Judson's mind. " I am afraid," he 
writes, ^' that while the present monster is in power, I 
shall not be able to convene the disciples for worship 
as hitherto. He is, however, only acting on the or- 
ders which are understood to be in force all over the 
country, proscriptive of the Christian religion. I feel 
the blow most deeply, for I had just succeeded in re- 
organizing a little church, out of old materials and 
some lately baptized, amounting in number to eleven, 
nearly all pure Burmans ; and last Sunday I had an 
assembly of above twenty. Several new ones were 
expected to-day, and two would probably have been 
baptized. I had become so attached to the little 
church and assembly, and so glad on every returning 
Lord's day to lay aside my tedious dictionary labors, 
and spend all the day in obtaining and communicating 
spiritual refreshment, that the present interruption 
seems almost too hard to bear. However, I hope to 
do something yet in private to aid a few perishing 
souls who are struggling, through darkness and terror, 
to find a way of escape from the more dread darkness 
and terror of eternal death. But every thing must be 
done in private. 'Not even a tract can be given pub- 
licly. That point I ascertained a few years ago, on a 
visit to the place, which I believe I never mentioned 
in writing home. In order to test the real extent and 
efficiency of the king's order prohibiting the distribu- 
tion of books at Ava, I opened a box of tracts in the 
front part of the house where I was a guest for a few 

18 



410 Closing Toils. 

days. The people took them greedily, but in less 
than an hour my assistant, Ko En, was arrested and 
placed in confinement. It cost me a great deal to get 
him free, and when he was released it was on con- 
dition that he would give no more tracts. This time, 
therefore, I brought no tracts for distribution, and 
have confined myself to private conversation, except 
convening an assembly for worship — and that in an 
' upper room' — every Lord's day." 

Though despotism was powerful, there were some 
M^ho felt it better to hazard their lives than neglect 
obedience to Christ. The following record was made 
June 6th: "No formal worship; but a fine young- 
man whom we had concluded to receive into the 
church, son of one of the oldest converts, spent the 
day with me, in company with two or three others ; 
and just at night we repaired to the remote side of 
the old baptizing place, and, under cover of the bushes, 
perpetrated a deed which, I trust, our enemies will not 
be able to gainsay or invalidate to all eternity." 

Two days after, Mr. Judson mentions a remarkable 
instance of deliverance of the father of this young 
man : " Yesterday morning the young man, on return- 
ing to his residence, a few miles distant, met his father 
under arrest, in the hands of the myrmidons of gov- 
ernment, on their way to the court of the governor — 
not, I was glad to learn, the ferocious vice-governor 
above mentioned. One of the converts came to give 
me notice, and for two or three hours I sat expecting 
the worst. But the blow was averted as suddenly as 
it was aimed. ' What have you brought the man be- 
fore me for V said the oflicer. * To be examined on a 
charge of heresy and frequenting the house of Jesus 
Christ's teacher,' said the leading accuser. ' On what 



Closing Toils. 411 

authority V ' Here is your written order.' ' "What ! 
Who ? I have given no order. It must be one of my 
petty clerks. It is all a mistake. Go about your 
business.' ' I thought it strange,' rallied the arrested, 
' that you should summon me on a charge of heresy, 
as it is well known that I worship the true God.' 
' God,' said the officer, rather nettled ; ' worship any 
god you like." ' Or the devil !' promptly added a vi- 
rago, sitting on an official cushion at his side ; ' if you 
villagers just pay your taxes, what more do we want 
of you?' 

" As near as we can ascertain the truth of this 
strange affair, the officer, after sending off the order 
early in the morning, not entertaining the least doubt 
that the measure would be approved — as the religion 
of Jesus Christ is understood to be universally pro- 
scribed — stepped, however, into the government house, 
and rej)orted what he had done ; and the governor, 
remembering his pledge to me on my first arrival, 
quashed the proceeding. Thanks be to God !" 

With respect to the governor, our missionary states : 
"This is not the first favor he has done me, as I have 
just learned by a very private, confidential communi- 
cation from a sworn employe of government, a friend 
of mine, though not of the cause. A few days ago, 
one of the highest members of government represented 
to his excellency that two or three years ago, under 
the administration of his predecessor, three of these 
heretical teachers came from Maulmain with the in- 
tention of effecting a settlement in the empire ; that 
he mentioned their arrival to the then governor, who 
left their disposal entirely in his hands, on which he 
ordered them out of the country ; and that the said 
teachers then pretended they had not come to stay, 



412 Closing Toils. 



and immediately took their departure. On hearing 
this, the governor kept his head bent over his break- 
fast, and made no reply. And the officer, feeling that 
he had not sufficient encouragement to bring forward 
my case, withdrew to wait for a more convenient sea- 
son. But the term of this governor's rule is drawing 
to a close, and it is expected by many that he will be 
succeeded by the ferocious vice-governor." 

On the following Lord's day not an individual ven- 
tured near the missionary. With the unfavorable as- 
pect in Rangoon, his thoughts turned, as in former 
days, to Ava. "I am persuaded," he wrote, " as I 
have been for years past, that the only way to keep 
footing in Rangoon is to obtain some countenance at 
Ava. My principal object in coming hither was to 
ascertain the practicability and probable advantage of 
proceeding to the capital." 

To this proposed visit to the golden city the govern- 
or of Rangoon gave his consent, and the season favor- 
able for ascending the Irrawaddy was at hand, when 
Mr. Judson found himself compelled to abandon the 
project. When the single-hearted devotedness which 
had characterized him through his long life is consid- 
ered, the cause might fill not a few American Chris- 
tians with shame. " The board," he says, "have ap- 
proved the measure, but have not been able to accom- 
pany their approval with the needful remittance. On 
the contrary, I learn from my last letters from Maul- 
main, that the annual appropriation for the Burman 
mission is ten thousand rupees less than the current 
expenses require. The brethren have been obliged to 
retrench in every department, instead of being able to 
make an appropriation for a new enterprise. My extra 
expense in Rangoon for assistants and house rent is 



Closing Toils. 413 

eighty-six rupees a month, and they have been able to 
alloiv^ me seventeen and a half only. The mission 
secretary writes me, that for any thing beyond that 
sum, I must look, not to their treasury, but to the 
board. Instead, therefore, of entering on a new and 
expensive undertaking, I find myself unable to remain 
in Kangoon. But no ; I might hope that an appeal 
home would provide means for remaining here ; but 
in present circumstances, unable to remain to any ad- 
vantage without making friends at Ava, and having no 
hope that the board will be able to commence a new 
station, or even sustain the old ones much longer, 
there remains nothing for me but to fall back upon 
Maulmain." 

In this disappointment, though filled with the belief 
that the principles of the denomination to which he 
belonged were destined to universal acceptance, he- 
felt compelled to write as follows : "It is my growing 
conviction that the Baptist churches in America are 
behind the age in missionary spirit. They now and 
then make a spasmodic efifort to throw off a nightmare 
debt of some years' accumulation, and then sink back 
into unconscious repose. Then come paralyzing orders 
to retrench ; new enterprises are checked in their very 
conception, and applicants for missionary employ are 
advised to wait, and soon become merged in the minis- 
try at home. Several cases of that sort I encountered 
during my late visit to the United States. This state 
of things can not last always. The Baptist missions 
will probably pass into the hands of other denomina- 
tions, or be temporarily suspended ; and those who 
have occupied the van will fall back into the rear." 

While the mission was endangered by the course of 
the authorities in Eangoon, Mrs. Judson and the cHil- 



414 Closing Toils. 

dren were taken ill, and he was unable to pursue his 
work, on account of personal affliction, for some six 
weeks. In the midst of these troubles, the Boodhist 
Lent occurred, in consequence of which it became 
almost impossible to procure animal food of any de- 
scription. All, however, had greatly improved in 
health by the end of July. The hope of proceeding 
to Ava was disappointed ; the prospect of usefulness 
in Rangoon discouraging ; and Mr. Judson determined 
to return to Maulmain. He reached that place Sep- 
tember 5th. 

lie wrote as follows on the 19th of that month : " 1 
remained in Rangoon long enough to witness the re- 
moval of my friend, the governor, and the downfall of 
the ferocious vice-governor, who had become the terror 
of all classes, and particularly distinguished himself 
by carrying out the proscription of the Christian reli- 
gion. I prolonged my stay a little, in order to ascer- 
tain the disposition of the new governor; but in that 
I found nothing but discouragement. He very soon 
gave several proofs of strict adherence to the estab- 
lished religion ; his reception of me was extremely 
cold and reserved ; and when I mentioned my desire of 
proceeding to Ava, at some future time, he did not 
even reply. I think, however, he w^ould not oppose 
that measure ; but in present circumstances, for rea- 
sons mentioned in my last, it is impracticable." 

As there was a numerous force of missionaries at 
Maulmain, Mr. Judson determined to devote his time 
chiefly to an effort to finish the dictionary. Though 
he did not take full charge of the church again, yet he 
resolved to preach occasionally in the native chapel, 
one sermon at least every Lord's day, and attend to 
such other missionary work as might be given him 



Closing Toils. 4l5 

to do. Sucli were his pursuits till near the end of his 
days. 

Our missionary thus wrote concerning a pleasing 
service, May 2ist, ISttS : '' I have just returned from 
the Burmese chapel, where I have been endeavoring 
to do something analogous to what I suppose many 
ministers are doing before their respective churches on 
this the first Sabbath subsequent to the annual meet- 
ing of the Union. I improved the occasion to impress 
on my hearers their obligations to the Christians in 
America for having sustained this mission through the 
long period of thirty-five years, and not this mission 
only, but missions throughout the world ; so that there 
are, at present, above a thousand American mission- 
aries of difterent denominations scattered over the 
habitable globe. It is true that the relative position 
of the parties would not allow them to manifest their 
gratitude in such a manner as the Christians of Mace- 
donia and Achaia manifested their gratitude to the 
poor brethren in Jerusalem (Rom. xv. 26, 27) ; but 
they could be convinced of their obligations, they 
could ponder on them, and converse about them, until 
their hearts burned with gratitude and love to their 
American brethi-en, and to the Saviour, the Lord of 
missions. They could, though separated by wide 
oceans, meet at the same throne of grace ; and, though 
they could not extend their own hands in kindness, 
they could open that hand which is replete with every 
good and perfect gift, and cause a shower of blessings 
to descend on their distant benefactors. They could 
gladden their hearts, and the heart of their Saviour, 
by living according to the precepts of the holy religion 
which had been sent them ; and is there any thing 
sweeter and nobler in this world than to gladden the 



416 Closing Toils, 



hearts of our benefactors, especially of our great Bene- 
factor, who laid down his life for us? And, lastly, 
they could second the intentions of their American 
brethren by making every effort to spread the Gospel 
around them. ' Freely ye have received ; freely give.' 

"I never had a more attentive audience. May God 
bless the feeble effort, and the efforts of my brethren 
during the past week, in drawing into closer union the 
far-separated members of Christ's body, until we be- 
come one in him forevermore." 

In September, 1848, we find him again entertaining 
the project of removing to Ava. His thoughts on the 
subject are unfolded in the following extract: "The 
preparation of the English and Burmese part of my 
dictionary is so far advanced, that I hope to commence 
printing a small edition next month, preparatory to a 
larger and uniform edition of both parts, when the 
Burmese and English part is completed. But as I ad- 
vance in the latter part, I feel more deeply the desira- 
bleness and importance of making a visit to Ava, and 
availing myself of the learned men and the literary 
works that are to be found at the capital alone. The 
government interpreter of Rangoon, who greatly be- 
friended me during my visit to that place last year, 
lately wrote me that he hoped that I would bear in 
mind the necessity of going to Ava before I printed 
the work, and that if I did not, it would be impossible 
for me to make it what it ought to be. I presume that 
no person, acquainted with the circumstances of the 
case, would dissent from that opinion. But the diffi- 
culty of penetrating into the country, and staying long 
enough to improve the dictionary, is very great, while 
the importance of the undertaking will appear still 
greater if some view be had to the welfare of the scat- 



Closing Toils. 41Y 

tered church, and the necessity of conciliating the gov- 
ernment, and obtaining; if possible, some religions tol- 
eration." 

How painfully the disappointment of the previous 
year weighed on his mind another paragraph shows : 
"When last in Rangoon, I lost a favorable opportu- 
tunity, such as may not occur once in a hundred years. 
The governor of Rangoon was the very last of my old 
court acquaintances ; and he was ready to clear my 
way to Ava, by a letter of introduction, into the very 
presence of the king. But I had no money to buy a 
boat, pay the boatmen, and defray the other inevitable 
expenses of the undertaking, nor even to pay my house 
rent in Rangoon ; and so I was obliged to return to this 
place. The committee have since kindly defrayed the 
debt contracted on the latter account ; but that is all. 
I suppose they thought with me, that such a good op- 
portunity would never occur again, and that no benefit 
would result from lamenting over the past, or provid- 
ing for the future — a future so utterly impossible." 

Though there was so little reason to expect another 
opportunity to occur, yet he was able to write : "There 
is, however, at the present moment, a small prospect 
in the horizon, which may, in a few months, disclose 
an open path to Ava. If such should be the case, the 
committee, as well as myself, would regret that my 
hands were still left tied, and another opportunity be 
irretrievably lost. I request, therefore, that they will 
take into immediate consideration the question of ap- 
propriating a sum — say one thousand rupees — to de- 
fray the expenses of such an undertaking as I speak 
of; and they may depend I shall render, as in former 
times, a minute, and I hope satisfactory, account of the 
way in which the money shall be expended." 

18^ 



418 Closing Toils 



On receipt of this request the Executive Committee 
made the necessary appropriation for the purpose de- 
sired ; but by the time he received information of their 
action, substantial reasons presented themselves for de- 
ferring his visit. A letter from the corresponding sec- 
retary, dated Maulmain, August 28th, 1849, says : " As 
you see from the date, I am still at Maulmain. Be- 
fore receiving yours of the 20th of February last, with 
the appropriation for the expenses of a journey to Ava, 
the * small prospect in the horizon,' mentioned in mine 
of the September preceding, had passed away ; and 
since that, nothing encouraging has occurred. Were 
it not, however, for the following reason, I should 
prosecute my first intention ; for so far as a inere jour- 
ney to Ava is concerned, I know of no obstacle in the 
way of any foreigner who wishes to proceed thither. 
Just as I had finished the English and Burmese part 
of the dictionary, at the close of last year, and was 
about commencing the Burmese and English part. 
Providence sent me, without my seeking, an excellent 
Burmese scholar, once a priest at Ava, and recom- 
mended by a gentleman quite competent to appreciate 
his qualifications — since deceased — as 'the most pro- 
found scholar he had ever met with.' I took him at 
once into my employ, and his aid, united with that of 
my two other assistants, proves to be invaluable, and, 
in my opinion, obviates much of the necessity of going 
to Ava, so far as the dictionary is concerned.'^'' 

"Considering, therefore, the uncertainty of life, and 
the state of my manuscripts, so efi'aced by time, or so 
erased and interlined as to be illegible to any other 
person but myself, I have thought it was my duty to 
forego, for the present, what I can not but regard as 
an interesting expedition, in order to drive forward 



Closing Toils. 419 

the heavj work of the dictionary in the most satisfac- 
tory manner, and without increasing the hazard of 
any serious interruption ; provided always^ that in the 
mean time nothing particularly encouraging in the di- 
rection of Ava should occur." 

The friendships which Mr. Judson formed while in 
the United States it was his delight to keep alive by 
correspondence. The following, while it exhibits to 
the reader the general character of his communica- 
tions, is of value as presenting some particulars about 
the dictionary. 

TO THE REV. A. D. aiLLETTE. 

Maulmaiw, October 21, 1849. 

Dear Brother Gtillette — I hope dear wife keeps up correspond- 
ence with you and yours properly ; however, I feel as if it would do 
my heart good to write you a letter myself. How glad I should be to 
step into your home, and spend an evening with you and dear Mrs. 
Gillette; it seems to me that I should enjoy your company far more 
than when I was with you. 

I should like very much to have you find a spare hour, and sit down 
and tell me about your family, and church, and brother clergymen in 
Philadelphia, and particularly those individuals that I knew. I sup- 
pose death has been at work there as well as everywhere else. I am 
glad to hear that your University affairs are well settled, and that 
brother Kincaid is coming out again, especially as that will release me 
from the obligation to go to Ava. 

Emily's health is delicate ; her hold on life is very precarious ; yet 
she may live on many, many years. She has already outlived several 
whose health was much more robust ; and while she does live she will 
be a blessing to us all, whether near or remote. I never cease to thank 
God that I found her, accidentally as it were, under your roof. 

I am still hard at work on the dictionary, and shall be for more 
than a year to come, if Hive so long. The work will make two vol- 
umes quarto, containing above a thousand pages. No one can tell 
what toil it has cost me ; but I trust it will be a valuable and stand- 
ard work for a long time. It sweetens all toil to be conscious that 
that we are laboring for the King of kings, the Lord of lords. I doubt 
jiot we find it so, whether in Maulmain or in Philadelphia. 

Most affectionately yours, A. Judson. 



420 Closing Toils. 

Expressions which indicate an impression of near- 
ness to the eternal world are very frequent in his 
journals and correspondence. Perhaps when he 
wrote, "if I live so long," in the letter the reader has 
now perused, he entertained no more than his ordi- 
nary conviction of the uncertainty of life ; but the 
thouglit was never more a^^propriately entertained. 
The dictionary he was not to see completed ; only a 
part of the English and Burmese section did he see 
printed ; while of the other — the Burmese and English 
— he was only permitted to finish about one half. About 
a month from the writing of the above letter he sat at 
his study-table for the last time. 

An incident which Mr. Kanney mentions is in or- 
der here. " An application had been made," he says, 
" for rebuilding each of our dwellings, which are con- 
tiguous — his, because of the alleged unhealthfulness 
of its position and construction, and mine because of 
its decay. I recollect of saying, that I was almost 
sorry that the application had been made, for that in 
almost every case, when a missionary had got all 
things around him to his liking, something had oc- 
curred to mar or take away his anticipated enjoy- 
ments. ' I have thought of that,' brother Judson re- 
plied, ' and it has deterred me from saying much about 
a new house. It is on this account that I have left 
the matter in the hands of the brethren, to do as they 
think best about it.' " 

He was soon to remove to the habitation of the 
saints, and, having always labored as under the eye 
of the Great Taskmaster, was to join those who, while 
they serve God, see his face. 



THE CALL HOME. 

" To die is gain." — Phil. i. 21, 

THE agents of death are often present when least 
suspected. By our subject and ^ his friends there 
was little thought that a sudden call in the night to 
the room of one of his children was to lead to his own 
decease. But it was even so. ISTear the end of the 
month of September, 1849, he contracted a cold by 
this means, which, though regarded as trifling, and not 
even allowed to interrupt his studies, conduced greatly 
to an attack of fever in iSTovember, from which he 
never recovered. 

In January, 1850, he was so far convalescent as to 
be able to take a trip to Mergui by the steamer, and 
it was hoped, on his return to Maulmain, that the 
change had been beneficial ; but in a short time he de- 
clined again. Upon this it was proposed for him to 
make a change by going to Amherst. But no change 
of habitation could give deliverance from the resistless 
power which seemed to be following him, and he be- 
came more debilitated. In February he returned to 
Maulmain, and it was thought best by his physician 
that he should take a lengthened voyage. On the 21st 
of the month he wrote the corresponding secretary of 
the Missionary Union : "I can not manage a pen, so 



422 The Call Ho:me. 

please to excuse pencil. I have been prostrated with 
fever ever since the latter part of last IS'overaber, and 
have suffered so much that I have frequently remarked 
that I was never ill in India before. Through the 
mercy of God, I think I am convalescent for the last 
ten days ; but the doctor and all my friends are very 
urgent that I should take a sea voyage of a month or 
two, and be absent from this a long time. May God 
direct in the path of duty. My hand is failing, so I 
will beg to remain," etc. 

At the time this note was written, there was no ves- 
sel in port whose destination was sufficiently remote, 
and as his house was pronounced unhealthy, he made 
a change of habitation, which proved beneficial. But 
in a short time it became evident that a voyage was 
indispensable. According to a letter of Mrs. Judson's, 
published in the Macedonian and Missionary Maga- 
zine^ this course was greatly opposed to his own 
wishes. The account of the few days preceding his 
embarkation is here inserted : 

" ' Oh, if it were only the will of God to take me now — to let me die 
here !' he repeated over and over again, in a tone of anguish, while we 
were considering the subject. ' I can not, can not go ! This is almost 
more than I can bear ! Was there ever suffering like our suffering ?' 
and the like broken expressions, were continually falling from his lips. 
But he soon gathered more strength of purpose, and after the decision 
was fairly made he never hesitated for a moment, rather regarding the 
prospect with pleasure. I think the struggle which this resolution 
cost injured him very materially, though probably it had no share in 
bringing about the final result. God, who saw the end from the be- 
ginning, had counted out his days, and they were hastening to a close. 
Until this time he had been able to stand, and to walk slowly from 
room to room ; but as he one evening attempted to rise from his chair, 
he was suddenly deprived of his small remnant of muscular strength, 
and would have fallen to the floor but for timely support. 

" From that moment his decline was rapid. As he lay helplessly 
npon his couch, and watched the swelling of his feet, and other alarm- 



The Call Home. 423 



ing symptoms, he became very anxious to commence his voyage, and I 
felt equally anxious to have his wishes gratified. I still hoped he 
might recover ; the doctor said the chances of life and death were, in 
his opinion, equally balanced. And then he always loved the sea so 
dearly ! There was something exhilarating to him in the motion of a 
vessel, and he spoke with animation of getting free from the almost 
suffocating atmosphere incident to the hot season, and drinking in the 
fresh sea breezes. He talked but little more, however, than was nec- 
essary to indicate his wants, his bodily sufferings being too great to 
allow of conversation ; but several times he looked up to me with a 
bright smile, and exclaimed, as heretofore, ' Oh, the love of Christ! the 
love of Christ !' 

" I found it difficult to ascertain, from expressions casually dropped 
from time to time, his real opinion with regard to his recovery ; but 
I thought there was some reason to doubt whether he was fully aware 
of his critical situation. I did not suppose he had any preparation to 
make at this late hour, and I felt sure that, if he should be called ever 
so unexpectedly, he would not enter the presence of his Maker with a 
ruffled spirit ; but I could not bear to have him go away without know- 
ing how doubtful it was whether our next meeting would not be in 
eternity; and perhaps, too, in my own distress, I might still have 
looked for words of encouragement and sympathy to a source which 
had never before failed. 

" It was late in the night, and I had been performing some little 
sick-room offices, when suddenly he looked up to me, and exclaimed, 
'This will never do. You are killing yourself for me, and I will 
not permit it. You must have some one to relieve you. If I had 
not been made selfish by suffering, I should have insisted upon it 
long ago.' 

" He spoke so like himself, with the earnestness of health, and in a 
tone to which my ear had of late been a stranger, that for a moment I 
felt almost bewildered with sudden hope. He received my reply to 
what he had said with a half-pitying, half-gratified smile ; but in the 
mean time his expression had changed — the marks of excessive debility 
were again apparent, and I could not forbear adding, ' It is only a 
little while, you know.' ' Only a little while,' he repeated mournfully ; 
' this separation is a bitter thing, but it does not distress me now as it 
did — I am too weak.' ' You have no reason to be distressed,' I an- 
swered, ' with such glorious prospects before you. You have often 
told me it is the one left alone who suffers, not the one who goes to be 
with Christ.' He gave me a rapid questioning glance, then assumed 
for several moments an attitude of deep thought. Finally he slowly 
unclosed his eyes, and fixing them on me, said, in a calm, earnest 



424 The Call Home'. 



tone, ' I do not believe I am going to die. I think I know why this ill- 
ness has been sent upon me ; I needed it ; I feel that it has done me 
good ; and it is my impression that I shall now recover, and be a better 
and more useful man.' 

" ' Then it is your wish to recover ?' I inquired. ' If it should be the 
will of God, yes. I should like to complete the dictionary, on which I 
have bestowed so much labor, now that it is so nearly done ; for 
though it has not been a work that pleased my taste, or quite satisfied 
my feelings, I have never underrated its importance. Then, after that, 
come all the plans that we have formed. Oh, I feel as if I were only 
just beginning to be prepared for usefulness.' 

•' ' It is the opinion of most of the mission,' I remarked, ' that you 
will not recover.' ' I know it is,' he replied, ' and I suppose they 
think me an old man, and imagine it is nothing for one like me to re- 
sign a life so full of trials. But I am not old — at least in that sense ; 
you know I am not. Oh, no man ever left this world with more invit- 
ing prospects, with brighter hopes or warmer feelings — warmer feel- 
ings,' he repeated, and burst into tears. His face was perfectly placid, 
even while the tears broke away from the closed lids, and rolled, one 
after another, down to the pillow. There was no trace of agitation or 
pain in his manner of weeping, but it was evidently the result of acute 
sensibilities, combined with great physical weakness. To some sug- 
gestions which I ventured to make, he replied, ' It is not that — I know 
all that, and feel it in my inmost heart. Lying here on my bed, when 
I could not talk, I have had such views of the loving condescension of 
Christ, and the glories of heaven, as I believe are seldom granted to 
mortal man. It is not because I shrink from death that I wish to live ; 
neither is it because the ties that bind me here — though some of them 
are very sweet — bear any comparison with the drawings I at times feel 
toward heaven ; but a few years would not be missed from my eternity 
of bliss, and I can well afford to spare them, both for your sake and 
for the sake of the poor Burmans. I am not tired of my work, neither 
am I tired of the world ; yet when Christ calls me home I shall go with 
the gladness of a boy bounding away from his school. Perhaps I feel 
something like the young bride, when she contemplates resigning the 
pleasant associations of her childhood for a yet dearer home — though 
only a very little like her, for there is no doubt resting on my future.'' 
<■ Then death would not take you by surprise,' I remarked, ' if it should 
come even before you could get on board ship .'' ' Oh, no,' he said ; 
' death will never take me by surprise — do not be afraid of that — I 
feel so strong in Christ. He has not led me so tenderly thus far to 
forsake me at the very gate of heaven. No, no ; I am willing to live a 
few years longer, if it should be so ordered ; and if otherwise, I am 



The Call Home. 425 

willing and glad to die now. I leave myself entirely in the hands of 
God, to be disposed of according to his holy will.' 

" The next day some one mentioned, in his presence, that the native 
Christians were greatly opposed to the voyage, and that many other 
persons had a similar feeling with regard to it. I thought he seemed 
troubled, and after the visitor had withdrawn I inquired if he still 
felt as when he conversed with me the night previous. He replied, 
' Oh, yes ; that was no evanescent feeling. It has been with me, to a 
greater or less extent, for years, and will be with me, I trust, to the 
end. I am ready to go to-day — if it should be the will of God, this 
very hour ; but I am not anxious to die ; at least when I am not beside 
myself with pain,' 

" ' Then why are you so desirous to go to sea .' I should think it 
would be a matter of indifference to you.' ' No,' he answered quietly, 
' my judgment tells me it would be wrong not to go ; the doctor says 
criminal. I shall certainly die here ; if I go away I may possibly re- 
cover. There is no question with regard to duty in such a case ; and I 
do not like to see any hesitation, even though it springs from affection.' " 

With regard to the sea voyage, Mr. Ranney, who 
was deputed by the members of the mission to accom- 
pany him, says: "We all thought his case critical 
long before he did, and urged a sea voyage, but he 
preferred to wait, saying he would go when he thought 
there was danger. There was a sudden change for the 
worse in his case, which alarmed him, when he sent 
for me, and wanted to go to sea immediately. In an- 
ticipation of this, I had kept myself advised of the 
vessels in port, and on telling him that no ship would 
leave in less than nine days, he turned away his face 
and wept ; but presently replied, ' The Lord's will be 
done ; it will be all right.' " 

Through the kindness of Captain Lawford, com- 
mandant of artillery, a palanquin and bearers took 
Mr. Judson on board the Aristidie Marie, bound for 
the Isle of France, on AYednesday, the 3d of April. 
As it seemed desirable to get out to sea as speedily 
as possible, an order was given by the civil commis- 



4:26 The Call Home. 

sioner to have the vessel towed out of the river by a 
steamer bound southward with troops ; but the mili- 
tary commander contended that the right of the com- 
missioner to give directions concerning the vessel 
ceased when the troops were placed on board ; and on 
the ground that taking a vessel in tow might endanger 
the safety of the forces, refused to allow the order to 
be executed. Instead of getting to sea in twenty-four 
hours, as had been anticipated, five days were occu- 
pied, and it was not till six days after the vessel sailed 
from Maulmain that the pilot left her. 

" The delay," says Mr. Ranney, whose account, as slightly coudensed 
for the Missionary Magazine, we follow, " permitted Mrs. Judson (who 
would gladly have accompanied her husband, though at the hazard of 
her life, if he had consented), and Mr. Stilson, and Mr. and Mrs. Ste- 
vens to visit him repeatedly, and minister to his comfort. He bore the 
fatigue of embarkation very well, and on Thursday' took more refresh- 
ment than for several days previous. This gave hope of a favorable 
change ; but on Friday he was not as well, and his two Burmese as- 
sistants, Ko En and Ko Shway Doke, disciples of many years' standing, 
who remained on board till the pilot left the vessel, requested that he 
might be taken back to Maulmain. They were confident he was near 
his end, and could not endure the thought of his burial in the ocean : 
they wanted his grave to be made where they and the other disciples 
could look upon it. But any attempt to do this would have proved 
fatal, and there was no choice but to fulfill their original purpose, ilr. 
Stilson reminding the aflfectiouate disciples of the death and unknown 
burial-place of Moses. 

" On Saturday he was perceptibly weaker. Such was his pain that he 
said he would willingly die, if he could. On Sunday, being more calm 
and free from pain, he conversed freely and more at length than he had 
been able to do, describing somewhat minutely the causes of his pain. 
He said that no one could conceive the intensity of his sufferings. 
Death would have been a glad relief. The idea of death caused no pe- 
culiar emotion of either fear or transport. His mind was so afiFected by 
suffering that he could not think, or even pray. Nay, he could not think 
of his wife and family. He had bitter sorrow in parting with them at 
first; but in Mrs. Judson's subsequent visit, speech had been almost 
denied him ; and when they parted the day before, perhaps the last 
time on earth, it was without a word, and almost without a thought, so 



The Call Home. 427 

entirely had pain absorbed every faculty. Yet he felt he had nothing 
to complain of. He knew it vras the will of God, and therefore right. 
Alluding to the swelling of his feet, he said, ' The natives are frighten- 
ed when they see this. They regard it as a sure sign of approaching 
death ; but I do not. I have talked with the doctor about this, and 
have myself remarked, at different times, the swelling and subsiding. 
I still feel that there is so much of life in me that I shall recover.' 

" On Monday, the 6th, at half-past three o'clock, p.m., the pilot, 
with the two assistants above named, and Moung Shway-moimg, of the 
Amherst church, left the ship. At the request of Dr. Judson, Mr. 
Ranney wrote to Mrs. Judson his opinion of himself that ' he went out to 
sea with a strong feeling that he should recover.' But on the same day 
the violence of his pains returned, and his left side was swollen much, 
from which he gained partial relief. On Tuesday morning, the Tenas- 
serim coast being yet visible, they enjoyed a fresh and invigorating 
breeze ; but a violent thunder-storm came on, followed by a calm. For 
a short time Dr. Judson suffered less pain ; but a hiccough increased 
upon him. He said, ' This hiccough is killing me ; can you think of 
any thing to do for it :' He afterward slept considerably, and took 
some slight refreshment ; but in the afternoon a new symptom appear- 
ed, which continued to the last — frequent vomiting, and an inability to 
retain any thing upon his stomach. 

" During the night and the next day the weather was exceedingly 
hot. Dr. Judson refused all nourishment, and inclined to sleep, prob- 
ably on account of the laudanum and ether administered. He said he 
should weary them but little longer. The captain gave several pre- 
scriptions without effect ; on which he said, ' It is of little consequence. 
I do not wish any one to think I died because all was not done that 
could be done for me. Medicine is of no use. The disease will take 
its course.' While suffering the acute pain which invariably preceded 
vomiting, he said, ' that I could die at once, and go immediately into 
paradise, where there is no pain !' 

" On the evening of Wednesday, as Mr. Ranney was sitting by his 
bedside, he said, ' I am glad you are here. I do not feel so abandoned. 
You are my only kindred now — the only one on board who loves Christ, 
I mean ; and it is a great comfort to have one near me who loves Christ.' 
' I hope,' said Mr. Ranney, ' you feel that Christ is now near, sustain- 
ing you.' 'Oh, yes,' he replied, 'if is all right there, I believe he 
gives me just so much pain and suffering as is necessary to fit me to 
die— to make me submissive to his will.' The captain — who spoke but 
little English, but took unwearied pains to make himself understood by 
a frequent resort to a French and English dictionary, and was a pat- 
tern of kindness and benevolence — offered another prescription ; but 



DUST SCATTERED 




(Braocs of the Subsons. 



The Call Home. 429 

broad landscape with a mild, celestial glorj." The 
officers of the ship had but little knowledge of the man, 
and when called into the cabin to dinner, were not 
aware of what was transpiring. Soon, however, as 
the J knew, " thej gathered about the door, and watch- 
ed the closing scene with solemn reverence." It is no 
wonder we should find that when they had witnessed 
his calm and triumphant departure, they " stole softly 
from the door, and the neglected meal was left upon 
the table untasted." 

It was found necessary to make preparations for the 
burial the same evening. A coffin having been made 
of some plank, the body was laid within it, and several 
buckets of sand poured in to insure its sinking. These 
humble preparations being completed at eight o'clock 
in the evening, the crew assembled on deck, the lar- 
board port was opened, and perfect silence reigned till 
the captain gave the word of command to commit the 
body to the deep. 

" One sudden plunge, and the scene is o'er, 
The sea rolls on as it rolled before." 

Thus, in latitude thirteen degrees north, and longitude 
ninety-three degrees east, Adoniram Judson found an 
ocean grave. How truly were his own words illustra- 
ted : " How little the missionary who leaves his native 
land can calculate on his final resting place !" It was 
not his lot to be laid in his fathers' sepulchers, or be- 
side either of the noble and heroic women over whose 
graves he had wept. He was removed in death, both 
from the "hopia tree" and the "rock of the ocean," 
but it is the blessed consolation of those who remain, 
that when his spirit passed from earth he joined the 
beloved ones who had preceded him at once. 



430 The Call Home. 

The death of our subject, with only one of his coun- 
trymen to attend him, and his burial where no stone 
can be erected to show that a pilgrim of earth sleeps 
beneath, is not according to human desires. But the 
bodies of several American and European missionaries 
have been deposited in an ocean grave. The fact that 
the burial-place of Moses was unknown, has already 
been alluded to. If the sepulcher of him who was per- 
mitted to record the revelations of God's will was thus 
hidden, need we wonder that those whose privilege it 
has been to unlock the full treasures of Divine truth to 
benighted nations, now should have their graves tar 
removed from them? It is worthy of remark that, 
only five years before Mr. Judson's decease, the re- 
mains of another eminent translator, his friend. Dr. 
Yates, were committed like his own to the keeping 
of the sea. And who would desire the eulogizing 
epitaphs of men for those whose work is so durable? 
"Who would wish for marbled honors for Burmah's great 
missionary? For him it matters not that the ever- 
changing flood admits not of monuments for the dead 
she keeps. He has a monument on the land in his 
achievements for Christ, which is imperishable. Long 
as ocean shall retain its dirge-like tones, shall men de- 
light to contemplate and speak of his toils and hero- 
ism ; and, best of all, when there shall be no more sea, 
his name will be found written in the Lamb's book of 
life. 

The universal sorrow occasioned wherever Mr. Jud- 
son had been known, when intelligence was received 
of his decease, it would be vain to attempt to describe. 
By the churches of Burmah and by his associates his 
death was especially felt as a calamity. Scarcely less 
sensibly was the loss the church on earth had sustain- 



The Call Home. 431 

ed realized bj those by whom he was less known. In 
Calcutta, the press, under directions of members of va- 
rious denominations, vied in recording its estimate of 
his extraordinary worth, while in his native land no- 
tices appeared in the periodicals of nearly every sec- 
tion of Christians, expressive of deep respect for his 
memory. So numerous, and so generally alike were 
these in the excellence of their spirit, that it would be 
invidious to select any from the number. 

Most of the ministers of the denomination of which 
Mr. Judson had been so distinguished an ornament, 
felt impelled to deliver discourses by which they might 
direct their congregations to recognize the glory of that 
grace which was so conspicuous in his course. In the 
conventions and associations of the denomination reso- 
lutions expressive of the respect felt for his memory 
were generally adopted. 

The services which Mr. Judson had rendered as a 
translator impressed the Board of Managers of the 
American and Foreign Bible Society with the import- 
ance of a service by which the appreciation in which 
he was held on this account might be testified. A 
commemorative discourse was accordingly delivered 
in the Tabernacle church, by the Eev. E. Babcock, D. D. 

At the annual meeting of the Missionary Union, 
held in the same month at Boston, the remembrance 
of this bereavement proved most solemnizing, and 
prompted special exercises. According to the request 
of the Executive Committee, the preacher of the annual 
discourse, the Rev. William Hague, D. D., made his 
life and character the theme of his discourse. This 
interesting service will never be forgotten by those 
whose privilege it was to be among the immense crowd 
which gathered in the former Tremont Temple. 



432 The Call Home. 

The character and end of Mr. Judson were calcula- 
ted to prove suggestive to those who have a faculty 
of verse ; and it may be believed that veneration and 
love for his name prompted those who employed their 
numbers on hearing of his decease. The following 
stanzas first appeared in the New Ywh Recorder: 

THE BURIAL OF JUDSON. 

Weep, Burmah, weep, let thy tear fountains deep 

Be unsealed in this hour of thy sorrow ; 
Shroud thee to-day in thy sable array. 

And the cypress tree plant on the morrow. 

Plant it beside the blue ocean's tide. 

That, o'er his clay tenement rolling, 
Bears to thy shore and mingles its roar 

With the funeral bell that is tolling. 

Weep, Burmah, weep, he is sleeping that sleep, 
Which, in time, never kuoweth a waking ; 

All his work is now done, and the prize hath he won, 
And the conqueror's rest he is taking. 

Precious dust hath he laid 'neath the hopia's shade, 
Precious dust in the " rock of the ocean;" 

Oh, could he not rest in sepulture so blest 
As the field of his pure self-devotion ! 

Nay, earth may not claim to graven his name 

On her columns above where he lies ; 
Let his sepulcher be the blue marble sea. 

Like his home, the blue azure skies. 

Calm roll the wave o'er his watery grave 

And soft blow the breezes o'er it ; 
Unknown let it be in the depths of the sea, 

Lest, unconscious, we bow and adore it. 

So shall he sleep in the arms of the deep, 

And angels watch o'er his sleeping. 
Till the grave of the just shall yield up their trust, 

And the ocean the treasure he's keeping. g. w. g 



The Call Home. 433 

The following lines from another pen ought not to 
be omitted : 

" Deep in the ocean wave, in coral bed, 
The hero of a hundred battles sleeps ; 
Above his watery tomb no prayer is said, 
But round the sinking form the billow sweeps. 

Far down where mighty monsters howling dwell. 
In seaweed for his shroud, the Christian lies ; 

No marble mausoleum the spot doth tell. 
No willow weeps, no heathen convert cries. 

But o'er that watery grave the angels keep 
Their ceaseless vigils ; and the stars of night 

Look down, with tenderness, upon the sleep 
Of him who waketh not to pray or fight. 

The funeral dirge is sung in every land. 
By men of every age, and tribe, and tongue ; 

The wild Karen, the rescued Burman band, 
With paler men, the mournful lyre have strung. 

Howl on, ye winds, and wildly moan, ye breath ; 

Ye heard his sigh, ye bore to heaven his prayer ; 
As from this world of sorrow, sin, and death. 

He turned to one more beautiful and. fair." 

19 



CONCLUSION. 

" Being such an one as Paul tlie aged." — Philemon i. 3. 

THOSE whose privilege it was to see Mr. Judson 
when he visited his native land have a portrait of 
him in the cabinet of memory, which supersedes reli- 
ance upon a biographer. Others may be glad to pic- 
ture him from such description as we can give. In 
person he was of medium height. His countenance 
was full and flushed ; his features prominent, while the 
whole gave the beholder an impression of great firm- 
ness and intrepidity, blended with a remarkable degree 
of mildness and humility. His hair to the last retain- 
ed its auburn hue, scarcely a trace of gray being dis- 
coverable. In his movements there was an elasticity 
exhibited by few men of his years. In his person 
there was always the most scrupulous neatness. 

In the most intimate relation of life, Mr. Judson was 
highly favored, and in it he exhibited those virtues of 
character which won admiration from all who were 
privileged to have his acquaintance. Mrs. Ann H. 
Judson, in writing to her sister on their outward voy- 
age, said : " I find Mr. Judson one of the kindest, most 
faithful, and affectionate of husbands." From this 
opinion there is no reason to suppose that she ever re- 
ceded. Mrs. Sarah B. Judson, long after her marriage, 
declared her husband " a complete assemblage of all 



Conclusion. 435 



that a woman's heart could wish to love and honor." 
It is worthy of remark, that though he thrice entered 
into the marriage relation, that he never seemed to lose 
any of his aifection for those of whom he had been be- 
reaved. There is something exquisitely touching, as 
when departing from Tavoy with his second consort, 
he breathed his prayer that the memory of her first 
husband might be "ever fresh and fragrant as the 
memory of the other beloved, whose beautiful death- 
marred form reposes at the foot of the hopia tree." So, 
again, as we find him with his third companion beside 
him, the desire he expressed to visit and weep at the 
grave on St. Helena beautifully exhibits this feature 
of his character. For his children he entertained a 
deep aftection, while his concern for their salvation 
was ever a prominent topic in his correspondence with 
them. Contrary to many who are engaged in the 
ministry of the word^ he seemed desirous to lead his 
sons to contemplate that service as the most desirable 
on earth. 

His social intercourse was intrinsically interesting. 
In his commemorative discourse, Dr. Hague says, 
that '• the delicate traits of character are rarely found 
in intimate union with the gentler virtues, with that 
childlike tenderness, that genial sympathy, that nice 
regard to the sensibilities of others, which throw a 
charm around the scenes of home and the circles of 
friendship. We are never surprised to learn that these 
are utterly wanting in men of iron sinew, formed for 
daring and endurance. Just as when we have gazed 
on some lofty mountain that towers sublimely to the 
skies, it seems not strange if, on a close survey, the fine 
proportions and the beauty of outline shall have van- 
ished, so that we can touch nothing but rugged rocks 



436 Conclusion, 



and tangled thickets. But to find the ascent of an 
Alpine height enriched with fruits and flowers, with 
sheltering vines, refreshing springs, and singing birds, 
must fill the breast of every beholder with a sentiment 
of pleasing wonder. A kindred emotion has doubtless 
been awakened in the hearts of those who have long 
contemplated Mr. Judson from a distant point of view, 
and have afterward been favored with opportunities 
of personal intercourse. Then it has been seen that 
the elements of his character were nicely balanced, that 
his social aff'ections were commensurate with his intel- 
lectual powers, and that his many-sided mind filled a 
wide sphere of being." 

Intellectually, the endowments of Mr. Judson were 
remarkable. Possessed of a lofty and richly poetic im- 
agination, he had at the same time a judgment of most 
thorough precision. A thirst for knowledge distin- 
guished him in childhood and attended him to old age. 
A test of a " truly great man," as set forth by compe- 
tent authority, is, " that his thoughts should become 
things in instantaneous acts, and not mere speculations 
and abstractions perpetually theorizing but never do- 
ing." By this test our subject might be tried with sat- 
isfaction. Sagacious in forming his plans he was ever 
self-reliant enough to put them in execution. He was 
a man for action, and could never have been satisfied 
with a contracted sphere. Xor did he wait for favor- 
ing impulses from without. From the beginning he 
looked to his own endeavors as the means of progress, 
and no matter what the object he set before himself, 
when he gave it his attention, he threw his whole soul 
into it. Possessed of invincible determination, with a 
memory of great retentiveness, and a mind remarkably 
methodical, it is evident he would have gained dis- 



Conclusion. 437 



tinction had his other qualities been less brilliant. The 
versatility of his powers has been often remarked. 
Although when he became a missionary he resolved to 
abjure his native tongue, yet his compositions in En- 
glish are characterized by rare simplicity and conse- 
quent beauty seldom attained. Many of his letters 
are models of the epistolary art. As a preacher he 
might have occupied in his native land one of the high- 
est positions. "While yet a student, the discerning mind 
of the eloquent Griffin was fixed upon him for his col- 
league in Boston. In his perilous position as the en- 
voy of a fierce and reckless nation he was able so to 
discharge his trust that its king desired to retain him 
in his service, while he won unqualified praise from 
the British powers. So well did he adapt himself to 
every demand made upon him that it is difficult to con- 
ceive of any pursuit in which he would have held a 
second place. 

As it was, and we may be thankful for it, it was the 
pleasure of God that lie should be known chiefly as a 
missionary. The eminent qualifications he possessed 
in this calling are indisputable. 

Piety is indispensable for a missionary. The descrip- 
tion of Moses may be truthfully applied to Mr. Jud- 
son — he was a "man of God." His piety was formed 
in no common model. It sprung from intimate near- 
ness and constant fellowship with the Son of God. 
More than most men, he was a man of prayer. In this 
respect he lived by rule. He presents an illustration 
of the truth which many fail to recognize, that a Chris- 
tian life is to be sustained and promoted on the same 
principle that other undertakings prosper, and that 
in the spiritual life order and forethought rightly exer- 
cised lead to the noblest achievements. 



438 Conclusion 



In the promotion of piety he used some aids which 
others condemn. Persons who are alarmed at the least 
approach to popery, view all waitings which Roman 
Catholics extol with suspicion. Nevertheless, Mr. 
Judson found in the works of Lady Guion, and kindred 
writers of that communion, productions which gave an 
insight into the heart, and an impulse to the desire of 
a holy life, which he could not discover in the general- 
ity of human conceptions. There have been frequent 
cases in which, to " satisfy their yearnings for something 
deeper, truer, and more peaceful, men have laid them- 
selves in the bosoms of gloomy mysticism, or en- 
wrapped themselves in the hair shirt of asceticism." 
It is perhaps not wonderful that one who dwelt remote 
oftentimes from Christian society, and wdio, at a time 
when he described himself and fellow-laborers as almost 
worn out and sinking one after another into the grave, 
while he felt he could say with truth, " Many of our 
brethren in Christ at home are just as hard and im- 
movable as rocks, just as cold and repulsive as the 
mountains of ice in the polar seas," should have sought 
for himself a religious character more warm and life- 
like than he thought was commonly attained. He 
turned to such writings as have been indicated, and he 
found in them delineations of spiritual life more satis- 
factory than those presented by the churches of his age. 
It is the reproach of our Protestantism, that in some re- 
spects the members of communions which are based on 
error, by their conduct "contrast, alas, too often ad- 
vantageously with the piety of the reformed churches. 
If the true root of holy liviug is not found in the 
church of the apostasy, none can deny that the fruits 
often bear a remarkable and striking resemblance to 
the genuine productions of sterling Christianity." 



Conclusion. 439 



Mr. Judson did not despise the illustration such 
works gave of the spiritual life, but cultivated ac- 
quaintance with them, doubtless to the benefit of his 
own soul. His knowledge of the fact that those whose 
productions he studied had been involved in such 
fearful delusions, we believe, caused him to exercise a 
more holy jealousy for truthfulness and reality in his 
own religion. "What in many might be only asceticism, 
was in him a work of the heart, and his lofty bearing 
in the vicissitudes through which he was called to pass, 
manifests how thoroughly his soul was influenced by 
the highest principles. 

His piety is undeniable. It renders his correspond- 
ence fragrant. It was this which most especially im- 
pressed all who made his acquaintance when he visited 
the United States. The fervency and simple beauty 
of his petitions at the throne of grace were remarked 
in every family with whom he sojourned. His piety 
was so regal a principle that even childhood derived 
confidence from it. One of his little girls, whom he 
brought to the United States, when asked if she was 
not afraid when crossing the sea, seemed surprised at 
the question, and artlessly replied, "Father prayed 
for us." 

In a character so generally attractive, it seems al- 
most invidious to single out any excellence, yet no one 
familiar with his correspondence and journals can fail 
to be impressed with his humility. It is well known 
that, seeking no honor of man, he caused all his early 
letters to his personal friends to be destroyed. Though 
the senior of his associates in the mission, he never 
claimed to be their superior. When he was perfecting 
his translation of the Scriptm'es, he was ready and anx- 
ious to receive the criticism of his coadjutors ; and 



440 Conclusion. 



though remarkable for his steadfast maintenance of 
what he thought right, he could say, " Of several hun- 
dred suggestions, I have sooner or later adopted by far 
the greater part." 

The humility of our subject was conspicuous through 
all his visit to his native land. In his addresses he 
seemed to desire to disclaim all praise for himself ; he 
was certainly altogether unprepared for the honors 
which were showered upon him. In some cases, so 
little was he able to appreciate the deep feeling of 
respect entertained for him, that when it was ex- 
pressed, he could scarcely regard it as other than flat- 
tery. Much that was said caused him pain and an- 
noyance, which in some cases he found it impossible 
to conceal. 

The integrity which marked our subject invites ad- 
miration. When he became a missionary, he resolved 
never in any way to regard his own worldly advan- 
tage. It was at his suggestion the board adopted a 
regulation, that if missionaries engaged in any secular 
service while in its employ, that the pecuniary results 
should pass into its treasury. His own magnanimous 
resolution to surrender thousands before it was adopt- 
ed, marks him especially as one in whom was no guile. 
He was well aware that tidings of success would call 
forth augmented funds in his native land, but he was 
unwilling that the cheering side of the picture should 
be seen without its darker features. In transmitting 
his journal of one of his visits to the Karens, which, 
with interesting cases of conversion, recorded also in- 
stances of unfaithfulness in some native members, he 
appended a note expressing a sincere hope that it might 
neither be " suppressed nor polished." 

Moral courage was indispensable to his mission. Of 



Conclusion. 441 



the possession of this quality he gave remarkable proof 
before he entered the missionary field. When he pro- 
claimed himself a candidate for labor among the hea- 
then, an heroic spirit was required, to the exercise of 
which few are equal. When his convictions made 
him a Baptist, it was no small trial to make a public 
avowal of his renunciation of the faith of his fathers, 
and to close by his own hand the only door by which 
he could hope to receive support in his work. As we 
see him persecuted by the East India Company, we 
wonder to find him still holding fast his purpose to 
preach Christ among the Gentiles in Asia ; and when 
at length we behold him, a solitary missionary, plant- 
ing himself in the Burman empire, with the confi- 
dence that he could assail Boodhism, and supplant it 
by the religion of the Cross, we see one of the grand- 
est exhibitions of holy daring. It was no trivial cour- 
age which was needed for him to remain in the Burman 
empire when he discovered fully the character of the 
opposition made to the Gospel ; and more remarkable 
still was the moral courage of the man who resolved, 
though his head might be "ordered ofi"," to go to the 
court of a sanguinary despot to plead for liberty of 
conscience for his subjects ; and when he was frowned 
upon by the monarch, it seems wonderful that we 
should find him still abiding in Rangoon, though con- 
templating the possibility each day that the unscrupu- 
lous vengeance of the ruling powers might fall upon 
him. Other instances of a like nature will suggest 
themselves to the reader, all proving how eminently he 
possessed the elements of an heroic character. 

In Mr. Judson there was an unwavering spirit of 
devotedness to the missionary calling. When he 
formed his purpose to be a missionary, it was without 

19* 



442 Conclusion. 



contingencies ; '' at all events," he resolved to go 
to the heathen. Baptized in Asia, he seems to have 
felt that he was baptized for Asia. He was led bj 
mysterious providences to embark for Burmah, and 
doubtless then came to the conclusion which he em- 
bodied in the articles of agreement between himself 
and his first associate : " We agree in opinion that our 
sole object on earth is to introduce the religion of 
Jesus into the empire of Burmah." It is scarcely nec- 
essary to say that from this opinion he never swerved. 
From the day he went on board the crazy old vessel 
at Madras, till the hour he was taken up, he knew no 
other end. In the language of Foster, concerning 
John Howard, he " had an inconceivable severity of 
conviction that he had one thing to do^ and that he who 
would do some great thing in this short life must ap- 
ply himself to the work with such a concentration of 
his forces, as to idle spectators, who live only to amuse 
themselves, looks like insanity." 

It is scarcely necessary to remark that Mr. Judson 
had a strong spirit of faith. lie waited upon God for 
results. Yet, from the beginning, his course was con- 
sistent with his expectations. He carefully considered 
his own duty, and on this formed his plans of action. 
When he went to Burmah he was impressed necessarily 
with the importance of acquiring the language of the 
people. He did not, however, satisfy himself with a 
smattering of knowledge, but determined to become 
thoroughly familiarized with the Burman tongue. To 
use his own words, before mentioned, he " deliberately 
abjured" his own language. When he "crossed the 
river," he ''burned his ships." Every thing that tend- 
ed to give him a more thorough acquaintance with the 
language of the Burmese he studied most carefully. 



Cox CL us I ox. 443 



He had been in Rangoon but little more tlian four 
years when he took passage for Chittagong, and yet by 
that time, so proficient was he, that the governor of 
Cheduba, after hearing his first tract read, said, "Ton 
can not make me believe that a foreigner in so short a 
time has learned to write the language so well." His 
acquirements in this respect were a marvel to the peo- 
ple. A brother of the reigning monarch told Dr. Mal- 
com that no man in the empire so well understood the 
Burmese language in all its capabilities. To the last 
day he was permitted to toil he continued his investi- 
gations. In the mere matter of forming the character 
of the language, Mr. Crawfurd states he excelled all 
whom he saw write it in Burmah. 

In addition to the acquisition of the language he 
esteemed other agencies necessary for his purpose. 
Health was indispensable. To promote this he followed 
habits of daily exercise, which were never allowed to 
be set aside. Before and after his daily toils he set forth 
for his walks, and thus preserved to himself, in a far 
greater degree than might have been expected, the vigor 
he needed. Dr. Malcom says : " His care of his health 
was remarkable. It was a sacred and conscientious 
thing with him ; not for the sake of comfort, for he 
constantly sacrificed comfort and love of ease for the 
sake of health. It was the unity of object so conspic- 
uous in him. He wanted to husband all his powers 
and keep them in order. 'No man ever feared death 
less than he. It was his sovereign remedy for sorrow 
to think of death. But he valued life, and he used it 
as a steward. He never exposed himself to the sun or 
the night air. He would not cross his yard at mid-day 
without a great umbrella. I often sat with him in the 
evening shut up closely by mats at the windows, en- 



444 Conclusion 



during the discomfort sooner tlian risk the unwhole- 
some but pleasant breeze/' 

Mr. Judson entertained a high estimate of the worth 
of time. Society, he found, would impede his purpose, 
and hence he only allowed himself such intercourse 
with his fellow-men as would contribute to his one 
great pursuit. From the English society in Maulmain 
lie voluntarily withdrew himself. Even the company 
of his associates he allowed himself to enjoy but for a 
brief period each day. In his correspondence with his 
relatives and personal friends his letters were remark- 
ably brief for a man living so remote. While many 
would eagerly peruse every periodical which could give 
them a glimpse of home, he only allowed himself a 
steady course of reading in one religious journal, and 
had to be assured that there was some article of special 
importance in others before he would read them. The 
delay in executing his work which must inevitably re- 
sult from his absence was the sole cause of his declina- 
ture of the successive invitations he received to visit his 
native land. Though there was never a more affection- 
ate husband, yet he was willing to suffer separation from 
a wife, in failing health, rather than leave his work. 
Thus did he manifest through life his estimate of time. 
Of him we may say, as Foster did of Howard, " I 
wonder what must have been the amount of that bribe 
in emolument or pleasure that would have detained 
him a week inactive!" 

In his mode of promoting the work of his mission 
his plans were carefully formed. His great object evi- 
dently was to address men and women. To schools 
for children he was not averse, when they could be 
prosecuted without hindrance to the publication of the 
Gospel. He regarded them as an important, but, never- 



Conclusion. 445 



theless, subordinate agency. In such efforts he re- 
joiced to see Christian females engaged, and had he 
seen the least hope of toleration, would have been de- 
sirous to have one of the female teachers open a school 
at Rangoon during his last visit. But he was not con- 
tent to see a man, with skill to teach the people, setting 
himself down day after day to instruct children chiefly 
in the rudiments of the knowledge of this world, while 
thousands of adults were destitute of a knowledge of 
Christ. 

He regarded it as essentially the business of a mis- 
sionary to make use of the vernacular of the people. 
English preachers and preaching he considered by no 
means advisable, and in his correspondence speaks of 
such instrumentalities " as the bane of missions in the 
East." Those who engaged in such labors he believed 
were led to confine themselves almost exclusively to 
foreign residents or their descendants, while the pupils 
of English schools proved ill qualified to carry forward 
the work of evangelization among their own country- 
men. 

His preference for his personal service in the field 
was the preaching of the Gospel. In this he delighted 
through life. And in addressing the natives it may be^ 
believed that he had gained an elevation which his as- 
sociates regarded as almost unapproachable. We can 
scarcely speak of him in the pulpit, for there was no 
such erection in the chapel where he was accustomed 
to meet his flock, according to the American idea ; but 
of his appearance in the Sabbath services we have a 
limning by a female hand,* which all who remember 
his calm but earnest delivery will be ready to think a 

Mrs. Stevens. 



446 Conclusion. 



life-like representation. "The native chapel is oppo- 
site the printing-office, which is just at the left of our 
house. Having ascended a high flight of steps, and 
passed across a wide veranda, we enter. At the head 
of the aisle a plain table, with an arm-chair at its side, 
upon a platform, raised eight or ten inches, forms the 
pulpit and its furniture. Your eyes rests on the vene- 
rable man occupying this station. Mr. Judson does 
indeed delight us everywhere, but especially here. 
His dress is very becoming — a plain black gown. This, 
and his spectacles thrown back, adds much to his look 
of dignity. With a pleasant voice he reads the hymns 
and portions of Scriptures to the natives seated before 
him. About half of these are on neat mats, the others 
on settees, like those on his right and left for the mission 
families, the males on one side, and the females on the 
other. After singing, which sounds most sweet to 
those who love to think of their change from the wor- 
ship of senseless idols to the praise of the living and 
true God, Mr. Judson kneels for prayer. According 
to the custom of the country, he remains seated while 
preaching. His manner is exceedingly animated, 
almost too much so for his position. 
. The testimon}^ Mr. Yinton gave in 1835 more than 
corroborates the remark made above, concerning the 
impressive character of the services Mr. Judson con- 
ducted: "The first Sabbath after our arrival we were 
privileged to hear the man whose praise is in all our 
American churches. True, he preached in Burman ; 
but though I did not know the meaning of a single 
sentence he uttered, still my attention was never more 
closely riveted on any sermon I ever heard. Were I 
to fix upon any one characteristic of the preacher 
which, perhaps, more than any other, rendered his 



Conclusion. 447 



discourse interesting and impressive, I should say it 
was earnestness of tnanner. It was impossible for any- 
one to escape the conviction that his whole soul was 
in the work. Every tone, every look, every sentence, 
spoke out in the most emphatic language, to tell us 
that the man was seriously in earnest, and himself be- 
lieved the truths he uttered. But what contributed 
not a little to the interest of the occasion, was the ap- 
pearance of the assembly. Every hearer sat motion- 
less, every eye was fixed immovably upon the preacher, 
and every countenance seemed to change with every 
varied expression of sentiment; now beaming forth 
joy, as though some joyous news from the other world 
had just reached them, which before had never glad- 
dened their hearts ; now depicting a feeling of anxiety, 
as though their immortal all, or that of their friends, 
was at stake ; and next of deep solemnity, as though 
standing before their fiual Judge." 

But according to his own phraseology, preaching 
was only ^^ one annP He felt the distribution of the 
word of God of essential importance. This needed to 
be translated. To become a competent translator, va- 
ried attainments were necessary, and long sacrifices 
of comfort and ease were demanded. All that was 
needed of acquirements in the language, we have seen 
he possessed, and so thoroughly did he become famil- 
iarized with the advances and discoveries of modern 
biblical criticism, that when he visited his native land 
his attainments were the surprise of eminent Christian 
scholars, who had lived in the very exchanges of phi- 
lological and sacred lore. If he had lived many years 
he would doubtless have revised the Burman Bible 
again ; yet though it was the work of a single man, it 
may certainly be placed beside any version made in 



448 Conclusion 



the present century. So highly is it valued by several 
of the missionaries, that they prefer it to the version 
to which they have been accustomed from childhood. 
In testifying of the "high character of Mr. Judson's 
translation," Dr. Malcom says : " In every other mission 
I found more or less dissatisfaction with the local ver- 
sion ; but this enjoys the applause and confidence of 
all who are versed in the tongue." 

There are few names to which we can with justice 
apply the epithet "great." The catalogue of this 
world's great men is well called " short ;" yet we be- 
lieve that those who have familiarized themselves 
with the career of Adoniram Judson will not fear to 
place his name on the list. The circumstances in 
which he entered the missionary field were peculiar. 
He had the prestige of being one of the first American 
missionaries, and for several years the only ordained 
minister in the Burman empire. But is it too much 
to say that others might have had a like distinction, 
and have passed away from the field, while the world 
would never have heard of them ? He had peculiar 
trials and sufiferings, and these, it is true, lifted him 
into prominence ; but such greatness is ephemeral. 
The sufi'erings endured more than a quarter of a cen- 
tary ago could not cause a man's name to be held in 
reverence now. Those who would seek for the secret 
of his greatness must look far beyond these things. 
The motive and end of his life must be understood, 
and his exhaustless faith and indomitable perseverance 
appreciated ; and wherever this is the case, there will 
not be wanting those who will admit that when he 
gave up his spirit, a great man passed from earth. 

It was Mr. Judson's honor to accomplish far more 
than he anticipated. It was given him, with others, 



Conclusion. 449 



to awaken an interest in the American churches on the 
subject of missions which can never die. To him be- 
longs especially the praise of calling the churches of 
the Baptist name to perceive the dignity and grandeur 
of the enterprise. These things were not, however, 
the main object of his pursuit. He regarded Burmah 
as the field where his work was to be done, and there, 
spite of obloquy and derision,* he labored to fulfill the 
errand to which he believed himself called. Many 
good men are allowed to arouse others to noble achieve- 
ments in which they are not permitted themselves to 
engage. God has seemed to say, "It is well it was in 
thine heart ;" but they have never been allowed to 
rear the edifice for his glory they desired. N^ot only 
did the Lord approve the purpose of Judson, but he 
permitted him to lay a broad and deep foundation for 
its accomplishment, and to see, while he remained 
upon the earth, the superstructure rise far higher than 
in his earlier years he had ever dared to hope. It was 
his, personally, to translate the Scriptures, to found 
churches, to gather hundreds into their fellowship, 
and to do much in raising an efficient native ministry. 
The effect of his noble and self-denying course, in 
leading others to consecrate themselves to the mission- 
ary work, and all the great and glorious successes 



* It is difi&cult now to realize the opposition made to Christian mis- 
sions at the period Mr. Judson commenced his labors. Even as late as 
1825, in referring to the "History of the Burman Mission, by Mrs. 
Judson," the Asiatic Journal said, " the prospects of the mission were 
far from encouraging, for the Burmese are shrewd and subtile, and the 
American missionaries were apparently men of more piety than talent." 
Shortly after, the London Quarterly Review, in a notice of the same 
work, expressed itself "quite satisfied that followers of Calvin are little 
calculated anywhere, but least of all in the East, to make converts to 
Christianity !" 



450 Conclusion, 



which have resulted from their efforts, is far beyond 
all human calculation. This can never be fully known 
till the consummation of all things. In this world his 
influence is imperishable. When centuries have passed 
away, men may say of him, in the words of the great 
dramatist, " Oh ! thou art mighty yet — thy spirit 
walks abroad." The structure whose goodly basis he 
laid must rise higher and higher. The course of tri- 
umph and conquest he was permitted to begin can 
have no end till, according to his own noble words — 
worthy to be repeated again and again — " All Bur- 
mah" shall be filled ''with songs of praise to our great 
God and Saviour, Jesus Christ." 

It is doubtless true that men are apt to magnify the 
worthies of their own party or sect. "With regard to 
the estimate we have expressed concerning the subject 
of these records, it is a privilege to point to notices 
equally appreciative from members of other commu- 
nions. We can not better conclude than by inserting 
here the just eulogy pronounced by a Scottish cler- 
gyman in Calcutta,* which says : 

" He may indeed be called, truly and worthily, ' the 
Apostle of Burmah.' He labored in that country for 
thirty-seven years. He mastered its language, and 
made it his own, and smoothed its difficulties for his 
successors. He translated into the language of the 
people the whole Word of God, with such skill, pa- 
tience, and judgment, that his version bids fair, in the 
opinion of competent judges, to be the standard Bible 
of Burmah, He made the first Burman converts, and 
gathered together the first Burman congregation of 
Christians ; and, with full assurance that the good seed 

* The Rev. Mr. Mackay, of the Free Church of Scotland. 



Conclusion. 451 



had taken root, and would spring up vigorously in the 
land of his adoption, he died ' in his harness,' young 
in spirit, but ripe in years and honors. To me he has 
always stood out as the most remarkable man in the 
modern era of missions. Tried by every vicissitude 
of humanity, he came out like pure gold ; chained in 
a dungeon, and face to face with the executioner, or 
swimming on the topmost wave of popularity, the idol 
of all that was holy and good in his native land ; in 
the extremes of household happiness and household be- 
reavements ; driven again and again, as it seemed, for 
ever, from the mission field, or rejoicing over his little 
flock and his completed Bible ; in the pulpit, on the 
platform, or in cheerful, social intercourse, Adoniram 
Judson was always true to his own high nature, com- 
bining the warm affections of a man with the strength, 
simplicity, and directness of an apostle of the living 
God." 

Such was the senior laborer of the American Baptist 
Missionary Union. Every Christian will pray that 
those now in the field, and others whom God shall raise 
up, may "follow him even as he followed Christ." 
And none who have read these records, we are sure, 
can forbear approval of the sentiment so quaintly yet 
beautifully expressed in the following lines : 

" I bless Thee, for the quiet rest thy servant taketh now, 
I bless Thee, for his blessedness and for his crowned brow ; 
For every weary step he trod in faithful following Thee, 
And for the good fight foughten well, and closed right valiantly." 



GENERAL INDEX. 



Amarapoora Page 189 

American and Foreign Bible Society 323, 38S 

American Baptist Board for Foreign Missions 296 

American Board of Commissioners 31, 32, 36 

Amherst 213. 234 

Andover 17, IS 

Arracan Mission 370 

Ava, Death-prison at 184 

Proposed Visits to 134. 412 

Eesidence there 170 

Baldwin, Dr., Letters to .55, 122, 134, 170, 207 

Baptist General Convention 95 

Churches, Letter to 802 

Blood-tracked March 197 

Boardman, Rev. C, Death of 271 

BoUes, Eev. Dr., Letters to 100, 162, 163, 270, 275, 303, 307 

Boodhism 82, 88 

" Burial of Judson," Yerses on 482, 483 

Burmah 38 

Attempts to Evangelize 74 

Description of 76 

Government of 79 

Schools of 79 

l^mperor of. Visit to 139 

Present of a Bible to 141 

Burman Preachers, Ordination of 249, 251 

Burmese and English War 180 

Bible 300, 305, 447 

Dictionary 112, 338 

Language, Difficulty of acquiring 100 

Carey, Marshrhan. and Ward 54, 111 

Chase, Professor Ira, Letter to 169 

Colgate, William, Letter to 823 

Colman, Eev. James . 118, 148 

Cone, Eev. Dr., Letters to 311, 317 

Address by 864 

Davis, Rev. Noah, Letter to 252 

East India Company 47, 48, 69 

Gaudama 87 

Gillette, Eev. A. D., Letter to 419 

Greek, Death of a 199 

Grow. Eev. Mr., Letter to 273 

Guion. Lady 488 

Hall, Eev. Gordon 24, 80 

Hasseltine, Mr., Letter to 38 

Mrs., Letters to 220, 225, 280 

Hough, Eev. G. H 106, 116 

Hymn, Farewell 400 

Inquirer, First 107 

Iron Mall, Story of 143 

Jeter, Eev. Dr., Address by 378 

Judson, Adoniram, Birth of 10 

His Father 10 

At Plymouth 13 

Enters Providence College IS 

Imbibes Infldelitv 15 



454 General Index. 



Jndson, Adoniram, opens School at Plymouth Page 15 

Publishes a Grammer, etc 15 

Leaves Home to Travel 16 

His Infidelity Disturbed IT 

Eeads " Boston's Fourfold State" 18 

Goes to Andover 18 

Is Converted 19 

Eeads the " Star in the East" 21 

Resolves to be a Missionary 22 

Endeavors to Awaken Interest in Missions 27 

Writes to London Missionary Society 28 

Memorializes General Association 29 

Commences to Preach 32 

Sent to London 33 

Captured on his Voyage 34 

Released and goes to England 35 

Returns to the United States 36 

Appointed a Missionary 37 

Marries Ann Hasseltine 38 

Is Ordained 39 

Embarks for Calcutta 42 

Arrives in India 45 

Harrassed by East India Company 50 

Prosecutes Study on Baptism 51 

Becomes a Baptist 53 

Seeks a Field of Labor 5S 

Ordered to England 59 

Attempts to go to the Isle of France 59 

Obtains a Pass 62 

Sails from Saugor 62 

Arrives at Port Louis 63 

Goes to Madras 65 

Sails for Rangoon 66 

Arrives in Burmah 68 

Commences a Mission 91 

Studies Burmese 92 

Receives News of Organization for Missions 95 

First Efforts at Translation 102 

Sickness of. 1816 102 

Visited by first Inquirer 107 

Commences a Dictionary 112 

Sails for Chittagong 113 

Arrives at Musulipatam 114 

At Madras 115 

Returns to Rangoon 115 

Builds a Zayat.'. 122 

Commences Public Teaching 124 

Baptizes first Convert 127 

Administers Lord's Supper in two Languages 127 

Establishes a Burmese Prayer Meeting 131 

Closes his Zayat 132 

Determines to Visit Ava 134 

Introduced at Court 140 

Repulsed 143 

Returns 146 

Recommences his Labors 150 

Finished Translation of Ephesians 153 

Goes to Calcutta 157 

Returns to Rangoon 159 

Revisits Ava 170 

Completes Translation of Burmese New Testament 174 

Visits Rangoon 174 

Embarks for Ava 175 

Builds a House at Ava 176 

Seized and taken to the Death-prison 187 

Sick with Fever 196 

Taken to Oung-pen-la 197 

Seat to the Burmese Camp 202 



General Index. 455 



Judson, Adoniram, Keturned to Ava Page 203 

Is sent to Treat with the British 204 

At Tandabo -. 206 

Eetuma to Kangoon 208 

Visits Tenasscrim 212 

Invited to join Embassy to Ava 215 

Kemoves his Family to Amherst 216 

Goes to Ava 218 

Eetums to Amherst 225 

Buries his Child 230 

Eevises New Testament 235 

Eemoves to Maulmain 237 

Establishes Beading Zayat 239 

Declines Doctor's Degree 244 

Ordains first Burman^Pastor 249 

Eevisits Eangoon 255 

Goes to Prome 256 

Eeturns to Eangoon 265 

Declines Visiting America 270 

Goes back to Maulmain 276 

Visits Karens 277 

Sick in the Jimgle.. 277 

Second and Third Visits to the Karens 283 

Completes the Translation 305 

Marries Mrs. Boardman 309 

Visits Calcutta 316 

Completes Eevision of the Bible 316 

Goes to Calcutta with his Family 333 

Visits Isle of France 335 

Eetums to Maulmain 337 

Commences Dictionary 333 

Embarks for England 340 

Loses his second'Wife r 348 

Arrives in the United States 354 

At Boston 355, 396 

At Saiem 360 

At Providence 361 

At New York 364, 3SS 

At Hamilton 372 

At Philadelphia 375, 385 

At Washinscton 377 

At Eichmond 378 

At Baltimore 384 

At Brooklvn 391 

Marries Miss Chubbuck 394 

Embarks for Maulmain 400 

Arrives in Burmah 403 

Eesumes his Dictionary Labors 404 

Visits Eangoon 405 

Suffers Loss by Fu-e 406 

Proposes to Visit Ava 412 

Is Hindered by Want of Funds 418 

Last Sickness of 421 

Embarks for Isle of France 425 

Death of 428 

Burial of 429 

Services Commemorative of 431 

Personal Appearance of 434 

Social Characteristics of 435 

Intellectual Qualities of 436 

Piety of = 437 

Moral Courage of 440 

His Preaching 445 

His Translation of the Bible 44S 

Judson. Ann Hasseltine, Illness of 66, 34 

Visits Madras 94 

Teaches School 129 

Visits England and America 164 



m 



EDWARD II. FLETCHER, 
X41 NASSAU-STB T, 

Keeps constantly on hand a complete asaortment of RELIGIOUS 
AND MIdCELLAiNEOUS 

mm, 

which are sold at very low prices. 

Aitenlion is particularly requested to the following list of 

'Biilnalik nui Sinportnnt :^c^Etilirnlinn5. 

ALEXANDER, J. W.— The Young Men of Cities urged to the 
wuik oj Mental Improvement. 

CARSON, L. L. D., Alexander, The Life of, by Rev. Geo. C. 
Moore. " The Jonathan Edwards of the I'Jih century." 

** •» The Knowledge of Jesus the most excellent of the Sci- 
ences. I 
"A charming book, and we could wish it were in every 

Ciirit-tiaii family." Lutheran Observer. 

•'A book of vigorous thought, worthy orcareCul. study." 

Jiel. Herald. 
" Would do honor to any pen that ever wrote." 

Tioy Budget. 
** *• The God of Providence. (lu press.) 

CONVERSATIONAL COMMENTARY on Matthew, John 
and tf.e Acts. By Wm. Hague, D. D. 

CCBBIN, Ingram. The Illustrated Domestic Bible. 

CHEEVER, D. D., Geo. B.—A Plea for Children and the Ckria- 
Liun ^abbatk. 

DOWLiNU, D. D., John.— A CoUertion of Hymns for use in oon- j 
fereiice and prayer meetings. 

The Old-Foshioned Bible, or ten re8.son.« against the 
prepoted Baplii>l verstan of the New TetiluiueuL 

gH---- ^ "* " • " ■■ " ' ••• • ■' • ^ 



EVERTS, Wm. W.-TAe Lifi and Thoughts of John Foster. 

•* " The Social Position and Influence of Cities. 

" •• The Theatre. 

FOSTER, John.— The Spirit of Wsaions, with an Essay by Rev. 
J. P. Thompson, pastor of the Broadway Tabernacle Church. 

HEAVEIC'S ANTIDOTE to the Curse of Labor, a prize essay 
on the Sabbath. 

; HARRIS, Mrs. S. M. — Memoir of Jacob Thomas, missionary to 
Assam. 

HAG-UE, D. D., Wm., Conversational OoMTnenfary on Matthew, 
John and the Acts. 

*• •' The Duties of Employers and Employed. 

MOORE, Geo. C.—Life of Alexander Carson, LL. D. 

MATTISON, H. — The Trinity and Modem Arianism. 

PAINE, Martyn.— TAe Soul, Instinct and Life, physiologically 
distinguished from Materialism. 

SABBATH ESSAYS; comprisine the Pearl of Days, Heaven's 
Antidote, and the Light of the Week. 

THE GOD OF PROVIDENCE, the God of the Bible; by 
Alex. Carson. 

THE PEARL OP DAYS, by a Laborer'a Daughter. 

THE LIGHT OF THE WEEK, or the Advantages of the 
Sabbath to the Working Classes. A prize Essay. 

WILLIAMS, D. D., Wm. R., Miscellanies ; consisting of Dig. 
courses and Essays. This volume ijootains the most elaborate 
and finished of Dr. Williams' prod'^ions. 
"A volume which is absolutely neceii#try to the completeness of a 
modern library." — N". Y. Weekly Review. 

" Dr. Williams is a profound scholar and a brilliant writer." — N.T. 
Evangelist. 

ti * « * fjonj tj,e pen of one of the most able and accomplished 
authors of the age." — Bap. Memorial. 

♦' We are glad to see this volume. We wish that such men abound- 
ed in every sect." — Ghn. Register. 

' This volume contains some of the choicest emanations of a mind 
of the highest order." — N. Y. Com. Advertiser. 

" This is one of the richest volumes that has been given to the pub 
lie for many years." — N. Y. Bap. Register. 

" The author's miiid is cast in no common mould. * * a delightful 
volume." — Methodist Protestant. 



»»i »w »'<«».» ?» W » o» 



m 



ALEXANDER CARSON, LL.D. 

THE KNOWLEDGeTf JESUS^ 

The most Excellent of the Sciences. 
BY ALEXANDER CARSON, LL.D. 

{From the Lutlieran Observer.) 

This is a charming book, and we could wish it were in every Christian 
tamily. The author is a writer of rare merit : learned, philosophic, pro- 
found, devout, and singularly fluent and beautiful in his style. We take 
great pleasure in recommending it. He has been called "the Jonathan 
Edwards of the nineteenth century," and those who read this admirable 
production will not be unwilling to admit his claim to this distinguished 
compliment 

(From the Religious Herald, Hartford.) ' 

This is a book of vigorous thought, deserving of attentive perusal and 
careful study by ministers and intelligent laymen. It discusses in a con- 
densed manner the facts respecting God and His government which are 
presented by nature, and then passes to the more explicit revelation of 
tlie r.ibln, and shows the identification of the gospel with the divine char- 
acter, as manifested in the work of redemption through the operation of 
the Trinity, eind its self-evident truth. 

{From the Watchman and Rejiector.) 
The late Dr. Alexander Carson, of Ireland, possessed an intellect of 
great logical power and a heart of warm afl^'ections. His works are hence 
characterized by depth and clearness of thought, and by vigor and fervor 
of expression. His views of the gospel, as of the framework and ordi- 
nances of the church, are as luminous as day. The present volume takea 
rank among the best of the productions of his pen. 

{From the Congregationalist.) 
The work shows for itself that it was written by a man of bold Hd 
•trong thought. It has no reference to the distinguishing doctrines of 
hie own denomination, though Dr. Carson has some celebrity for writinga 
of tk'« class. 

PUBLISHED BY 

EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 

Ml NASSAU STllEET, NEW YORK. 



CO^IPRISING-, 

THE HISTORY OF PKOVIDEKCE AS VNFOLDED IN TEE 

BOOK OF ESTHER, also, THE GOD OF PROVIDENCE, 

THE GOD OF THE BIBLE, and alsO, THE TRUTH 

OF THE GOSPEL DEMONSTRATED FROM THE 

CHARACTER OF GOD MANIFESTED 

IN THE ATONEMENT. 

BY ALEXANDER CARSON. 

12mo. cioth, Price, 75 cents. 



" This volume contains an able and highly interesting 
elucidation of the wonderful disclosures of divine Provi- 
dence, narrated in the book of Esther. The facts re- 
corded in that book reveal the unseen hand of the Most 
High, directing the most minute events, as well as those 
esteemed great, to accomplish the hallowed purposes of 
his own will. The work before us draws out and illus- 
trates this consolatory truth." — Chn. Observer.^' 

*' We have already in former numbers of the Memo- 
rial, noticed " the Life of Carson " by Mr. Moore, and 
" the Knowledge of Jesus," v/ritten by Dr. C. We have 
now the third volume in the series, and we hope there 
will be many more, if they are all as good as the one 
before us. It contains a clear, cogent, and incontrovert- 
ible argument m favor of the cardinal doctrine of a spe- 
cial Providence of God. The skeptic maintains that all 
events occur in accordance with the general laws of 
nature: but Dr. Carson shows conclusively, that even in 
the general laws of his government, God specitilly super- 
intends them so that particular events transpire by the 
effjcipncy of particular agents, and usually in accordance 
with general laws." — Bap. Memorial. 



§',ttci!n'» fiuSJuEUons. 



3listDn| af ^^raoihnte 



OR FACTS FROM SCRIPTURE 

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE GO^TIRNMENT OF GOD. 

BY ALEXANDER CARSON, LL. D. 

" It affords us great pleasure to call the public attention 
to any work from the pen of this great and good man. He 
wrote much and powerfully on many important subjects 
connected wirh religion ; but on none with more power, 
either of intellect or of heart than the Providence of Chd, 
as developed on the page of inspiration or common experi- 
ence." — Mother's Journal. 

*' It is a highly instructive book; for though it takes all 
its facts from the Bible, it throws them into a brighter light 
than that in which we suppose the mass of Christians even, 
have been accustomed to contemplate them." — Puritan 
Recorder. 

'' It embraces a series of investigations into the inspired 
history from Genesis to the Revelations. It exhibits the 
accornplishment of the Divine purposes even with rei-pect 
to incidents the most minute, during a course of thousands 
of years. No theme can administer more efficiently to the 
strength and comfort of the people of God than this ; and 
an abler mind than that of Carson, the philosopher and 
Christian, could scarcely address itself to such an under- 
taking." — Southern Baptist. 

" The Providence of God like his "Word is an inexhaus- 
tible mine of instruction ; and there are things in it which 
"they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do 
also the other Scriptures to their own destruction." The 
work before us illustrates in a series of chapters the mys- 
teries of Providence as revealed in the Bible. The facts, 
happily selected by the author from the pages of sacred 
history, present the subject in its more innpressive and 
practical relations." — Christian Observer. 



FLETCHER'S PUBLICATIONS. 

THE 

INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. 

BY ALEXANDER CARSON, LL.D. 
12ino. Cloth. Price 85 Cents. 

" This is a verv timely production by a very distinguished author. 
There is much'looseness in the writings of the author here re- 
viewed by Carson, and their errors are in many instances exposed 
as his withering logic is made to bear upon them. The author 
urges that the whole^Bible is inspired, both sentiment and language, 
and hence, just as found in the original Hebrew and Greek, is to 
be received as containing the mind and will of God. The inspi- 
ration of the Scriptures is regarded in a variety of lights by theo- 
logians of this day, and many of the refining, "speculating, philos- 
ophising kind are seeking to explain away all that claims to be 
from God, and making the Bible but little less than human, and of 
human authority. Carson is just the man to grapple with such 
heretical theories and expose their absurdity and depravity. This 
volume ought to find a place in the library of ever}" pastor and 
theological student, and in every family that loves the pure Word 
of God. It contains a strong argument to fortify against the as- 
saults of infidelity and skepticism.'" — Christian Chronicle. 

Every Christian who would counteract the skeptical tendencies 
of the present day should circulate this work. 

With the exception of Rev. J. N. JNIurdock, the present editor 
of the Christian Pueview, but one opinion has been expressed of 
the abihty and importance of this work. A correspondent of the 
Christian Chronicle says : 

" Our enterprising young publisher, Mr. Fletcher, of Nassau 
Street, has issued another volume of Carson's Works, intending to 
continue until all of this great man's noble works shall be pre- 
sented in uniform size and attractive style. 

The present volume is on the inspiration of the Scriptures, a sub- 
ject which, we fear, very few of our families ever read any volumo 
upon. We dissent from the brief censure of the Christian Review 
of this work. It was written with the pen of a theological swords- 
man, it is true, and we are far from loving or encouraging the spirit 
of controversy ; but when we remember the time and circum- 
stances of Carson-s life we honor him for what he did. He struck 
for God and his native land, Ireland — that greenest isle of the ocean, 
and on which Popery and English Church and State rule have to- 
gether heaped their bitterest curses. We cordially commend this 
work to all families who would be well-grounded in the reasons 
why they beUeve and honor their Bibles as the Word of God."' 
From the Watchman and Reflector. 

" Like all else that Dr. Carson has written, the present work is 
marked by vigor of thought and language, and acute discrimina- 
tion. Neverdo these qualities shine out moie distinctly than when 
the lamented author was engaged in controversy. Jt is to be re- 
marked, however, that he is no advocate of visionary theories, and 
when most pointed, and even caustic.it is because, like an inspired 
writer whom in mind he much resembles, he is ' set for the defence 
of the gospel.' " 



Tflll 

LIFE OF ALEXANDEB CARSON, LLJ). 

BY EEY. GEORGE C. MOORE. 

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 

(From the Independent, N. Y.) 

Mr. Moore has rendered a good service to the memoiy 
of his preceptor bj this sketch of his private and inward 
life, and he has rendered also a service hardly less valua- 
ble to Christian truth and charity. 



{From Uu Religious Herald, Richmond, Va.) 

This is an interesting work. Indeed, it could scarcely 
fail to be so, for its subject was not only one of the most 
learned and able theologians of our own denomination, 
but one of the gi-eat men of the present age. 



{From the New York Tribune.) 

The biography of that eminent scholar and dirine in ■ 
style of unusual vivacity and point. 

PUBLISHED BY 

EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 

141 NASSAU STREET, NEW TORi 



Knit ^uUiratiflna. 



Sigjits mi 3KiirEmg3; 

Or Words of Comfort addressed to those who are sowing in tears 
end shall reap in joy. By John Dowltng, D. D. " Weeping may 
endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Contents : — 
1. Nights of weeping and mornings of joy. 2. Night of convic- 
tion and mornings of conversion. 3. Night of desertion and morn- 
ing of restoration. 4. Night of trouble and morning of deliver- 
ance. 5. Night of weariness and morning of Rest* 6. Night of 
death and morning of ererlasting life. 

Itotr^BB nf u €xu\ jUimhux^. 

BY REV. GEO. HATT. 

This is a volume of experience, of facts and incidents ia ti» 
path of personal effort. 

€^ mrcHg mh nf t|i^ tm, 

OR JUVENILE INFLUENCE. 
BY J. H. ROSS. 

A good book for Boys and Girls. 

€lu 3JliimagB ^fimButa; 

A treatise on the nature of Matrimony, the mutual obligatioM 

of husband and wife, with appropriate instruction to both, 

BY REV. S. RBMINGTOW. 

gome are put up with a neat marriage certificate, folded in like a 

a map, for the use of ministers to present those they marry. Price 

from 12| to 75 cents, according to the style of binding. 

jHmnir nf SIM %nm\, §mkx, 

AOfiNT or THE AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONARY UNION. 

Bjr Rev. H. Hauvey. 12rao. Price, 75 Cents. 



/irirliH'0 :|^iiIilirEliaiis. 



MEMOIR OF ALFRED BENNETT, 

FIRST PASTOR OP THE 

BAPTIST CHURCH, EOMEB, NEW YOEZ, 

AND SEyiOR AGENT OF THB 

AMERICAN BAPTIST MISSIONAY UNION. 

BY H. HARVEY. 



IFrcm the Christian Chronicle.^ 

It ia a book of most thrilling interest. The engraving 
is true to life, and is worth far more than the cost of the 
volume to the numerous friends of Mr. Bennett. Memoirs 
are generally dry and formal things,_but this is a striking 
exception. There is not a page, but it is of most surpass- 
ing interest. Mr. Bennett was indeed a remarkable man — 
great by nature, great by grace, and great in the impres- 
sion made on the world. His experience as he became 
a Christian in early life, is of a most marked nature, 
thoroughly evincing the genuine work of God on the heart. 

Every Christian and friend of missions will be deeply 
interested and greatly profited by reading this book. 



[From th£ Tru^ Union.^ 

Those who knew Father Bennett personally, will natu- 
rally desire to learn something more of him. His lively 
and ardent feelings of devotion, his .strong common sense, 
his great energy of character, his unbending integrity, his 
fervent zeal, especially in the cause of missions, all com- 
bine to bespeak for the Memoir a diligent and careful pe- 
rusal. To young ministers, and to those who would in any 
way make themselves useful in the church we would com- 
mend this work. Among the motives to purchase a copy 
may be mentioned the fact that a share of the proceeds of 
the sale go to the widow of the venerable subject* 



woedsIneamest: 



on. 



THE PATH OF WISDOM MADE PLAIN 



BY RE YDS. 



WILLIAM W. EYERTS, 
J. W. ALEXANDER, 
WILLIAM HAGUE, 
G. W. ANDERSON, 
GEORGE B. CHEEYER. 



This work has "been elaborately prepared, and makes 
szosUent book for young people, especially, to periise. 



iFUtt{)tr*» i^uSlitatfow. 

OR , 

THE PATH OF WISDOM MADE PLAIN. 

BY REVS. 

WILLIAM W. EVERTS. J. W. ALEXANDER, 

WILLIAM HAGUE, a. W. ANDERSON", 

GEORGE B. CHEEVER. 

"This is a most capital work for young men. It cou- 
sists of essays on the social position and influence of cities; 
the temptations of city life ; young men of cities urged to 
the work of mental employment ; the theatre ; duties of 
employers and employed ; punishment not preventive ; a 
plea for children ; and the Sabbath.'' — Lutheran Observer. 

"These discourses have been prepared in view of the 
actual necessities and dangers of the times, smd have a di- 
rect application to the condition of thousands. We should 
be glad to see hundreds of copies of this volume in the 
hands of our Church members in this city ; for we are per- 
suaded its careful and prayerful perusal would be attended 
with good results on a large scale." — jCentral Christian 
Herald, Cin 

" On the whole this is one of the most useful as well as 
attractive series of essays which have fallen under our no- 
tice." — Christian Neut. 



gifFbToks, 

IN PLAIN AND ELEGANT BINDINGl 

FOR SALE BT ^ 

EDWARD K. FLETGHERj 

141 NASSAU STREET, NEW YOUK, 



MISCELLANIES. 

BY WILLIAM R. WILLIAMS, D.D. 
Plain 12mc, $1 25 ; do. 8ro, $1 75 ; half morocco, $2 25 ; cloth, f 
gilt, $3 00 ; Turkey, full gilt, 85 00 ; do., clasps, $6 00. 

DOWLING^S CONEERENCE HYMNS. 

Plain, 25c. ; gilt, 40c. 

- THE LIGHT OF THE WEEK: 

Or, tne Advantages of the Sabbath to the Working ClassK 

A PRIZE ESSAY. 
Plain, 25c. ; cloth, full gilt, 60c. 

PROVIDENCE UNFOLDED. 

BY ALEXANDER CARSON, LL.D. 
Plain, 75c. ; cloth, full gilt, $2 00. 

LIFE OF ALEXANDER CARSON, LL.D. 

BY REV. GEO. C. MOORE. 
Plain, 60c. ; cloth, full gilt, $1 50. 

' . WORDS IN EARNEST. 

AN EXCELLENT WORK FOR THE YOUNG. 

Plain, 75c. ; full gilt, $2 00. 

MEMOIR OF JACOB THOMAS, MISSIONARY TO ASS.il. 

Tux. morocco, f 2 00. 



FOSTER ON MISSIONS. 

WITH 

AN ESSAY ON THE SKEPTICISM OF THE CHURCH 
BY BEV. JOSEPH P. THOMPSON, 

rASTOft OF THS BB0ADA7AV TABEBNACLS CHU&CH. 

(^From the New Vork Evangelist.) 
This essay of Foeter's is one of the grandest and most eloquent of all 
his writings, the reproduction of which, in this inviting form, will do 
Bouch good. The missionary work assumes a dignity and importance, 
vaidcr the glowing tints of his masterly pencil, which ougiit to shame 
the languid interest of the church, and which very naturally and appro- 
priately suggests Mr. Thompson's prehminary essay on the skepticism 
of the church. This essay is very well written, and an impressive pres- 
entation of the causes and elfects of a deficient faith in the promises of 
God, in respect to the world's conversion. The work is neatly printed, 
and we hope will find many readers. 

{From the Neto York Recorder.') 
TTiis is the substance of a discourse preached by its celebrated author, 
and subsequently prepared by him for the press. It is one of the most 
»ble and comprehensive discussions of the subject of missions that baa 
ever been written. It contains that remarkable fragment of Foster's, en- 
titled " God Invisible," conceived in the very spirit of the old Hebrew 
prophets. The preliminary Essay, by Rev. J. P. Thompson, adds to the 
value of the original work. 

(From the Baptist Messenger.) 
John Foster on Missions, is all that need be said. To say more, wovld 
^like an attempt to gild the sun. 

{From the Cfmstian Chronicle.) 
It is one of the grandest productions of its author, exhibiting. In a hfgb 
degree, the comprehensive grasp of thought, the lofty sweep of imagin- 
ation, and the rugged and massive style wnich made him for so many 
year* the acknowledged Jupiter Tonans among English Dissenters. 

PUBLISHED BY 

141 NASSAU STREET MEW YORK, 



THE 

IB AS? 'SnS S W'^lkWU^ 

OF THE 

UNITED STATES; 

COKEISTIKG OP ELOQUENT AND INSTRUCTIVE PASSAGES FROM 
THE EBHMONS OP 200 BAPTIST MINISTERS. 

By JOSSPH BEIiCIIER, D. D. 

EMBELLISHED WITH FINE PORTRAITS. 



" The portraits are worth more than the cost of the entire work. 
It cannot be otherwise .han gratifying to every Baptist, to find 
that the leading minds of his denomination hold " the truth as 
it is in Jesus" with such a vigorous grasp, and commend it to 
others with so much power. The passages are generally siiort, 
Dut they are pure gold/ — Baptist M&ssmger. 

"This publication will, we think, prove interesting to Baptists 
everywhere." — Religious Herald. 

" The selections cover the whole range of theology, and the 
volume will be curious, agreeable and useful." — N. Y. Recorder, 

" Its editor is a maa ")f judgment and taste, and of considera- 
ble distinction as an author ; and as it regards the typography, 
nothing better can be asked or expected. The parties have oui 
best wishes for their encouragement and success. The moral 
effect of the publication cannot fail, of course, to be in favor of 
Religion and virtue." — Biblical Recorder. 

EDWARD H. FLETCnEE, PiibHsIier, 

141 Nassau St., N. Y 



DOWLIJfCS CONFERENCE HYMNS. 



The publisher begs leave to Eiibmit a few of the many uDsolici:ed re. 
commendations of this little volume, which have been received. It is 
eminently adapted for use in the family, and for {irivate devotion. The 
low price brings it within the means of all, and its large type adapts it to 
the old as well as the young. 

A prominent pastor in Illinois writes: "I received the copy of Dr. 
Bowling's hymns, which you sent me eome time ago. I have examined 
them thoroughly, and have shown them to many others. The universal 
expression is, 'This is just the book we want in the West. Here are the 
old, soul-cherished revival hymns, which everybody knows, and wi'h 
which everybody is delighted.' The mixed nature of our population 
here renders it difficult to obtain hymn books which all will like. But 
this little volume is almost known to all by hrart, whether from the east, 
west, north, or south. The hymns are those wliich almost every Chris- 
tian has learned and loved ; not for their poetic elegance, but for their 
spirit and good religious sentiment. I have also taken pains to obtain 
copies of the Social Psalmist, the Christian Melodist (by Br. Banvard), 
and the Baptist Harp.* These are generally very gooil. but everybody 
says Dr. Dowiing's hymns are the ones for the West to use in conference, 
prayer, and inijuiry meetings. Thousands of them can be sold in thii 
State, if they are introduced." 

' Piom Rev. John M. Peck, of Missouri. 

"It is exactly sucli a book as thousands want and will buy in these 
great, central States." 

From the Vermont Gazette. 

"This work is designed especially to meet a want existing in the Bap- 
tist denomination. The high literary character of the auihor is a sure 
fuaraniee in this respect. But. after all. it is not so much finely finished 
•entcnccs as soul-stirring trutlis, hymned by warm hearts, that impart 
to the social interview its greatest zest." 

From the Michigan Christian Herald. 

•' From a hasty examination, we should think that Mr. Dowling had ex- 
ecuted the work in a judicious manner." 

From the Baptist Memorial. 

"The people generally will say— give us the old-fashioned hymns, if 
fhe poetry is not quite a-s good ; "while some critics will think otherwise 
Most of the hymns are, however, unohjectiouable in respect to poetic 
■eril." 

From the Western Christian Journal. 

" Hymn hooks are muitiplyinu', but we shall be mistaken ':f this does 
not prove to be ? uopiilar collection. It contains 36u hymns and many 
of them tue sweetest in tl.e language." 

Fr'wi tne Chris/inn Secretary. 

"We can cheerfully commend this little hcK^tc to ihe churches, as being 
prt-eiaineully adapted to the purposes lor which it is deaigued." 

EDWARD fl. FLETCHER, Publisher, 

141 Ni^Au St., N. T 



THE CONTERSATIONAL COMMENTARY 

COM^BIKIKS 

THE QUESHON-BOOK AND EXPOSITION. 

DESIGNED FOR THE USE OF SABBATH-SCHOCXS AMD FAMILIES 

Vol. I., on Mattlie-vr* 
Vol. II., on Joliu. 
Vol. III., on tlie ActSi 

JBY WILLIAM HAGUE. 



" The plan of Dr. Hague in these several books to meft* 
the wants of the higher classes in Sabbath-schoolSj we have 
never seen surpassed nor even equalled by any other author, 
according to our taste and judgment." — Christian Chronicle. 

" It is a species of Commentary quite original, combining 
all the most valuable results of archeological and critical 
learning, without the lumber and parade which often render 
the perusal of the ordinary Commentaries and ' notes ' an 
onerous and unwelcome task. Mr. Hague's plan renders 
everything clear, impressive, and practical, so that the mind 
is held, by an increasing interest, to those truths which are 
most important to be remembered." — Western Watchman. 

" The method of imparting instruction in this book is a 
novel but happy one. The author remarks in his preface, 
' The teacher who would give instruction in any department 
©f knowledge so as to awaken in his scholar a spirit of in- 
quiry, cannot easily satisfy himself with abrupt and insu- 
lated questions ; in order to arouse the mind to action and 
bring himself into sympathy with it, he must communicate 
something. The remark which imparts knowledge, quickens 
thought, and then conversation proceeds with a rational -ind 
easy flow.' " — Michigan Christian Herald. 

Published by EDWAKD H. FLETCHER, 
141 Nassau Strest, New York. 



THE 

BAPTIST 

SCRIPTURAL CATECHISM. 

FOR THE USE OF SABBATH SCHOOLS 
AND BIBLE CLASSES. 

VOLUME I 



CONTAINING GREAT TRUTHS IN SIMPLE WORDS; DOR 
THE YOUNGER MEMBERS OF SABBATH SCHOOLS. 



BY HENRY C. FISH. 



NEW YORK: 
EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 

Ul NASSAU STRfi£T. 



CHEAP CASH BOOK STORE. 

EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 

Ho* 14^1 Kassau streett 

NEW YORK. 

Has constantly on hand, at wholesale and retail, a general 
assortment of Theological, Classical, Miscellaneous, School 
and Blank Books and Stationery. 

A complete Depository of Sabbath School Books. 

Booksellers, Traders, Teachers, Schools. Academies and 
Indiriduals supplied, wholesale and retail, on the most lib- 
eral terms. 

Religious books of every variety which are to be found 
in the market, may be obtained here at the very lovust 
prices. 



SECOND-HAND BOOKS. 



Valuable Standard Theological and other Books from 
private libraries will be sold at a fraction of the price of 



MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES. 

A new and beautiful article, with a silver border, sam- 
ples of whioh will be sent giatis to post-paid applications. 
Published by 

EDWARD H. FLETCHER, 

No. 141 Nassau street. 



CONVERSATIONAL COMMENTARY, 



COMBMfING THK 



QUESTION-BOOK AND EXPOSITION. 



DireiGlfED FOR 



BIBLE CLASSES, SABBATH SCHOOLS, AND FAMILIES. 



GOSPEL ACC0BDIN6 TO MATTHEW. 



Chaps. 15—28. 



WILLIAM HAGUE. 



I 



In free disoourse, new 
blaze, wliirli in c»lm antl 
lion, yon both pive and 
hig aj^iiinst eacb otber, produce living 



• tliougbts nre struck out, and the seeds or trnth sparkle and L 

silent readinj; wo"ld n^^er have been excited. By coiiversa C 

receive this benefit; »■> flints, wlien put in motion, and strik- j 

roduce living fire on both sides.— D«. Watib. S 



NEW YORK; 
EDWARD H. FLETCHER. | 






THE 



BAPTIST SCRIPTURAL CATl.oflISM 



Having examined the Baptist Scriptural Catechism prepared by Rer, 
n. C. Fish, we cordially recommend it to the churches, oelieving it lo 
possess peculiar excellences; among which may be mentioned especially 
the following: 

1. It is based upon the catechetical plan of instruction. 

2. The general use of Scriptural language in the answers. 

3. An important peculiarity of this work is, that it contains an extendc'l 
examination of the evidences of Christianity — a department of biblical 
instruction which has been too much i-eglecied. 

We earnestly hope that it may be generally adopted by our SabbaUj 
Schools. 
S. H. CONE, Pastor of First Baptist Church, New York. 

S REMINGTON, " 

JOHN DOWLING, « 
W. S. CLAPP, " 

LEVI PARMELY, « 
A. D. GILLETTE, " 
R. T. MIDDLE DITCH," 
WM. B. TO LAN. "> 

PAVID B. STOUT, « 
WxM. II. TURTON, " 
J. M CARPENTER, " 

JOHN TEASDALE, " 

H. V. JONES. " 

D. HENRY MILLER, " 

SAMUEL WHITE, " 

D. F. LEACII, " 

0. A. BUCK BEE, " 

L. O. GRENELL, Missionary to California. 

The first volume is de-signed for the younger members of the Sabbal*! 
School, and the language is simple ami plain. Price 60cts. per dozen. 

Volume second is for those more advanced, and contains a review oi 
ft« doctrines and evidences of Christianity. Price $1 20cts per drgesj- 

EDWARD fl. FLETCDER, Publisher, 

141 Nassau St., N. » 



Stanton St. 


Bap. 


Ch. ** 


Broadway 


(1 


U (( 


Olive Brancli 


I « 


(( M 


Shiloh 


K 


(( (( 


Eleventh 


« 


«* Fhiladelphia. 




V. 


« Lyons Farms, N. J 




« 


" Morristown, " 


First 


C( 


« Middletown, '< 




« 


" Elizabethtown, ' , 




u 


" Perth Amboy « 




u 


„jSchooley's , 
i Mountam, 








(( 


" Piscataway, « 


Mt. Olivet 


(i 


« Yonkers, N. T 


First 


C( 


« Staten Island, •* 




a 


« PortJervis, *» 
" Conway, Ma^. 











VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS. 

Kiglits and Mornings^ 

Or Words of Comfort addressed to those wfto 
are sowing in tears and shall reap in joy. By 
John Dowlino, D. D. "Weeping may en- 
dure for a night, but joy cometh in the morn- 
ing." Contents :—l. Nightsof weeping and 
mornings of joy. 2. Night of conviction and 
morning of conversion. 3. Night of desertion 
and morning of restoration. 4. Night of trou- 
ble and morning of deliverance. 5. Night of 
weariness and morning of rest. 6. Night of 
death and morning of CTerlaating life. 
ISmo., 35 cents. 

Sketelief of a Tract Missionary, 

BT KBV. GEOROE HATT. 

This is & Tolume of eiperience, of facts and 
incidenU in the path of personal effort. 
13mo.,25 cents. 



Tli« IVrong Side of tixe Line, 

Or Juvenil* Influence. 

BT J. H. BOSS. 

A good book for Boys and Girls. 18mo., 40 







Edward H. Fletcher, Publisher. 



'WW: 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Sept. 2005 

PreservationTechnologie? 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Onve 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



